Having spent the full day avoiding all of his supporter, Ron decided to hop-skip dinner completely. Ignoring his rumbling venter, he changed out of his school robes and into jeans and a sweatshirt before collapsing across his bed and staring angrily at the ceiling. Life wasn't fair… it was a concept he'd been confronted with over and over, he didn't understand why it continued to surprise him. He was tired of being offered the promise of happiness only to stimulate it ripped away. Okay, so maybe he'd never had a chance with Hermione… but Luna had been his, they'd been in love and either one or both of them had ruined it. But he'd wanted to pick up the pieces after, she was the one who'd been so win over it was over. And this year- at one degree he'd thought Parvati was just the distraction he'd needed, that he could grow closer with her and ca-ca something of it… And then Jacinda Nicolau had walked into his life… It had seemed a miracle that she'd returned his interestingness in her, but then she left and big, Parvati had been taken away and was now suffering who knew what destiny because he hadn't been vigilant to her and her motive as he should hold been. After all, he'd agreed to begin dating her before he even knew Jacey existed, Parvati should have been his first concern.

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

He sat up at the sudden sharp knock on his door and quickly strengthened the shields around his thinker, figuring Harry had somehow picked up on his thought and was now coming to hash affair out. Taking a deep breathing time in prep, he got up and went to the door set to tell whoever it was to go away… but when he opened it, no one was there.

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

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

'' Turns out my occupation does not require me as far from the castle as I had thought. I was having the chance to fall see you tonight and so I took it. '' She answered, suddenly having fuss meeting his gaze. `` Harry has told me what happened with Parvati and that you are sad. I am so lamentable about this. ``

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

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

'' I don't want to hear it. '' He quickly shook his head and squeezed her hand. `` I've been over it and over it in my head for the last two Clarence Day, Annapurna's parents arrived today and are staying in the castle until we find her… it's already too a good deal right now. I don't want to have sex anymore unless you can tell me exactly where she is. ``

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

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

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

'' fountainhead, uh… I mean, um… ''

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

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

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

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

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

Recalling that Parvati was still missing, Ron began to feel rather hangdog himself for indulging in such cheeky deportment. `` 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 retrieve, if you are needing to babble out to soul, I am not far… If you call out to me- '' She reached out and tapped her digit against his forehead before ruffling his fuzz. `` -I will most potential hear you and if I do, I promise I will answer. ``

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

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

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

( good luck )

'' I feel like the worst guardian ever. '' lupine sighed as he led the way through the woods. `` I mean I've been legally bound to secure your well-being- '' He turned to seem at Draco, `` -and Harry your parents are counting on me to assist count after you, yet here we all are on a midnight saunter through the Forbidden forest to dispose of a body… I can't keep James and Lily from finding out obviously, but not a Holy Writ of this gets back to Tonks, got it ? '' He asked very seriously.

Draco shared an amused smile with Potter as both male child agreed to hold Tonks in the night. Lupin led them deep into the woods, letting the male child handle the undertaking of floating Tristan along as the man had claimed it to be their mess to make clean up, he was simply there to see that they did it right hand. The corpse was hidden under Draco's invisibleness cloak as Potter had leant his to Jacey, but the further they went, the more than difficulty they were having in maintaining the spell to keep it in the air. `` haven't we gone far enough ? '' He asked, not wanting to stimulate to actually dribble Tristram's body.

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

Letting the cadaver drop to the ground, he went with Potter to help gather enough forest for the task ahead of them. While they did that, lupine began making a band of Isidor Feinstein Stone around Tristan, instructing the son to cover the lamia completely with the woodwind instrument. When they were finished, Draco wiped the exertion from his brow and removed his coat despite the cold temperature.

'' Now we light it ? '' Potter 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 finally thing on earth he wanted to be a office of.

Both boys watched with a sorting of twisted enchantment as he bent down and moved the sticks away from Tristram's head and pulled the vampire's sass open while ignoring the notched pieces of woodwind still sticking out of his heart. Picking up one of the pieces of Ash next to him, Lupin turned away before solidly jamming it down Tristram's throat. `` We have to be sure to get the fire down inside him too. '' He said, quickly covering the heading back up. `` And now we light it. ``

All three pointed their baton and stepped back as the heap of wood exploded within the rock circle. This was the lowest form of their dark deed of conveyance and Draco was glad that Ginny had chosen to keep abreast Luna's lead and rest behind. He didn't even really need to be a informant to this, it was better that one of them have the firearm of mind to never induce to live over this moment. Tristan's hide seemed to sizzle and almost scream as the Ash wood burned down. lupine had of course been right about how the wood would weaken the vampire's raw defenses… but they stayed until there was nothing before them but a shine heap of ember, just to be sure.

( BREAK )

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

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

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

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

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

'' OK, I'll be right down. '' He promised, suddenly wide awake as a wave of uneasy nausea washed over him. Closing the door on her, he tore capable the envelope but the annotation inside wasn't helpful- it was simply a request that he fall to the stock as soon as possible. That wasn't like Lee at all, if there was a trouble he wasn't afraid to complain about it in replete detail.

Throwing the useless note aside, he rushed to get dressed and brush his dentition, simply running his digit through his fuzz as he hurried down the steps. Grabbing his pelage and kissing his mother au revoir, he left the planetary house and climbed into the waiting ministry car. It took every ounce of self-control he had not to just apparate from the backseat to the store, but not knowing what awaited him he knew it was better to arrive with an actual Auror.

They parked outside the Leaky cauldron and hurried through to Diagon Alley, trying to rush without being noticeable as they made their way to the memory. Fred was surprised to find it closed up, with the dark glasses 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 think is going on ? '' He asked as he took out his own wand.

'' I don't know, but it's not salutary. '' Fred unlocked the doorway and let the other man go in ahead of him. concern tingled along his cheek as he followed, but the showroom was empty and naught seemed out of seat. `` Lee ? '' He called out nervously.

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

He rushed over, entering the office to encounter Lee spread out on the floor and bleeding from a wound on his forefront. Kneeling beside him, Fred was able to see that his champion was still breathing. `` He's alive. '' He assured the safeguard who was meddlesome searching the water closet for enemies.

'' Okay, apply pressure to his wound. '' The man replied, moving to the door. `` I'll call for substitute. ``

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

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

'' I never was very good at the Imperious execration, and he fought against it the whole time. '' She shook her head regretfully. `` I mean I got him to spell the note and script it off, but he finally broke barren of my influence. I certainly didn't want to kill one of your champion but I had to shut him up somehow. Don't worry, it's just a tight protrusion on the head. ``

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

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

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

'' Perhaps. '' She shrugged again. `` Perhaps I just demand to witness the ripe positive influence. ``

'' And perhaps you're just bat shit looney. '' He replied meanly, wanting to leave her in no dubiety as to his opinion of her.

'' You could be right… time will enjoin. '' She smiled coyly. `` Don't worry, mortal will come along to clean up my mess after we leave. ejaculate on, I'm only giving us an hour. ``

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

'' We're going to your vault in the bank and then I'm giving us a limit point of one hr to shop for all the dress and supplies we'll pauperization to disappear… and then we'll disappear. '' She laughed.

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

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

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

'' You told mass about all of this… you involved Hermione farmer 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 punishment. ``

'' 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 lost and wild he felt.

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

'' Meaning ? ``

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

Fred glared at her as his brain worked overtime trying to reckon a way out of this, or at best, a way to warn Hermione and perhaps give Luna or Harry try to help protect her mind while she slept. Feeling the weight of the compact in his pocket, he wondered how long it would be until he could discover the metre to use it.

'' I'll require your silence as begrudging acceptation. '' Elanya said, offering him a falsely odoriferous smile. `` And before you get those rack turning too fast, I won't be giving you the opportunity to discourage your little girlfriend or your exceptional friends about any of this. We've cerebration of everything and neither Harry nor Luna will be given the chance to help. '' It was almost as if she could show his nous though he knew that wasn't the eccentric, she was simply being thorough in explaining the hopelessness of his situation. Using extreme will, Fred was able to preserve from reaching in his sac and grabbing the covenant to gain a common sense of comfort. Instead he used the fact that Luna was already helping and could therefore involve Harry to still himself.

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

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

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

'' Give me your wand. '' She demanded, holding out her hand. In the only small act of defiance he could manage, Fred threw it at her feet instead. She smirked with entertainment as she bent to call back it, putting both baton in her bag. `` There's just one Sir Thomas More thing. '' She pulled out a unusual looking device with rafts of light source and gauges.

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

'' Just relax and stand still. '' She ordered, waving the affair over him from his head to his pes. It suddenly started lighting up and beeping like crazy as she moved it over his pocket. `` You have a communication device. '' She grinned.

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

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

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

'' semen on, you don't want to bug out breaking regulation already, do you ? '' She taunted.

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

'' Really ? Because I feel my luck is starting to modify for the near. '' She laughed as she brushed the pieces to the base and stepped on them for serious amount. `` There was no way you were walking out of here with that anyway. I told you, we thought of everything. ``

　

　

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

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

　

Hermione had woken with an ill at ease touch in the pit of her breadbasket. By the end of her last class the feeling had tripled and she was now crazy with concern, having been unable to reach Fred all day. `` Hey, are you okay ? '' Harry asked quietly as they walked back to their student residence together.

'' I'm fine. '' She answered tensely.

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

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

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

'' Well- '' Fear and business overwhelmed her and she suddenly felt the need to confess everything if it would assist Fred. But just as she was about to slop it all, she felt her pocket grow warm and nearly collapsed in substitute. `` I'll assure you about it later. '' She said quickly before rushing off to her way to be alone.

Nearly dropping the concordat as she fumbled to tear it out of her air hole, she eagerly flipped it open only to hold her heart cliff painfully to her stomach. `` Hermione ? '' Lee stared back at her, though his contemplation was fragmented as if the mirror had been broken. `` Oh good, I fixed it ! '' He sighed in relief as he caught mountain of her on his side.

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

'' I don't know ! '' Lee cried out in foiling. `` I don't remember anything about today before waking up with a splitting headache. '' He pointed to where his head was now bandaged. `` No one was here, nothing was missing… but I found the compact on the storey and smashed to musical composition. ``

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

'' I contacted Molly… ''

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

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

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

'' Probably, it's what I figured as well. But I didn't want mollie to get down bedevilment and hoist up having Arthur direct the altogether Auror squad out. It took everything I had to convert her that Fred stopped to nibble something up and would be here any minute… So then I tried for the last hour to fix this poor fish powder compact to see if maybe Fred went up there to see you again, but that's obviously not the character ... ''

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

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

'' I don't have time to explain now, we have to act quickly. '' Her creative thinker was racing a million international mile a minute. `` King Arthur and molly can't know yet… that will only help the girls'design. I need you to convince them that Fred went away for some variety of business trip for the store, tell them you're going with him so maybe they'll worry less. ``

'' Well, I guess I could disguise my articulation and pen a talking missive to them pretending to be Fred. '' He suggested, always eager to become part of their dangerous adventures just like the other boy. `` He's okay, isn't he ? ``

'' For now… I don't think hurting him is currently part of their plan. '' She said grimly. `` I'm going to talk to Luna, see if she can shed any lighting on this and depending on what she can or can't see we'll frame 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 contact Willem Fritz and get him there to the memory with you. We'll be needing to lecture to him about his niece. '' She replied darkly.

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

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

( fault )

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

'' Is this a normal function of your homework process ? Because we may induce to commence studying alone. '' Dragon teased, ignoring her theatre and returning to his Potions essay.

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

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

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

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

'' Hello, sorry to interrupt but I'm here on school business. As acting Head of Slytherin menage I've come to quest your bearing in the Headmaster's business office. '' Sir Francis Drake smiled apologetically.

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

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

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

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

'' Very interfering. '' Ginny approved teasingly.

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

As they walked, Dragon began to experience nervous… what could they possibly want to see him about ? Had the headmaster somehow found out about Tristram ? Was Troy trying to compose him for Parvati's disappearance ? respective idea floated around in his head, none of which were good. In fact, he'd never in his life been called to up there to be given good news. At the gargoyle, Sir 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 missive off to Guy Fawkes as they entered the place and he turned to them with a grim smile. `` Well, none of you ever seem to be alone anymore. hello Draco, Ginny, why don't you both have a tail. '' He spoke informally as he tended to do when he was in common soldier with his best-loved educatee. Dragon 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 feel ? '' Draco blurted out. He knew all about the acquisition of scrying… it was something Narcissa had mastered and was lofty to expose. In fact, he knew she had been the one to help Lucius locate respective people including Julian Heath.

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

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

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

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

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

So this was it, the moment that he knew would eventually arrive. He had to decide whether or not to completely rick his back on his father in guild to help oneself the people who had so helped him. Now he had to project out just how much he'd changed, what his lesson are from what they were, and whether he could fully pass himself over and cut all linkup to the two multitude who had given him life. `` I don't know. '' He said at last, sinking back down into the chair and smell horribly confused.

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

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

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

And he didn't… not with these people. Recalling his premature way of life, he knew Dumbledore and the others weren't aware of the the true astuteness of his father's evilness mercilessness. Dragon had seen Lucius commit many wickedness without any sign of remorse, what could he be doing out there now that he'd been outcast by the Death feeder and left on his own ? Knowing what the man was equal to of when he was in dominance, Draco hated to think what he was capable of when desperate. `` OK, give me a quill and parchment and I'll write down the locations of every secure house I know about and any other place he might go. ``

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

'' If he's left out there alone, who knows what he'd do or who he'd distress to secure his own survival… I can't have that hanging over my headway, if I don't try to stop him then I can only portion the guilt of his activity. ``

'' And with that view, I would wish you to make out how proud I am of your continued increase. '' The master smiled with sad boost. `` But I want you to be assured that not only are you not to find fault for your father's activity, no one would book it against you if you did experience the need to conserve some form of loyalty to him as your parent. ``

Draco shook his head. `` No, I've decided. '' He firmly insisted. It took a few import to drop a line down everything he knew and by the clip he finished Sir Francis Drake was back with Professor Trelawney. Having no desire to witness them essay to situate Lucius, he made his care to be dismissed back to his hall apparent. Thankfully Dumbledore heartily agreed, letting him and Ginny leave the office.

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

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

'' I'm for sure given the circumstances, Harry would correspond to that. ``

'' Of course he would, Jesse James and Lily are zip like Lucius and Narcissa. ``

'' And Ted and Andromeda are zippo like Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. '' She smiled, reminding him that he did possess some family that was worthwhile. `` And Tonks is zero like Dudley. ``

'' With my fate, I would have 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 aunt, uncle and cousin. ``

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

'' You'd pass water a good 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. `` percentage of me is relieved to launder my hands of Lucius and part of me tactile property like the worst son ever. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

( geological fault )

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

'' A few odd affair here and there. But I'm just now getting into the nineteenth C. '' Harry took off his methamphetamine hydrochloride and rubbed his optic, shoving his single file away as well. `` I had foolishly thought all the files from the drawer marked ‘ Harry thrower'would be about me, but they actually go all the way back to Lyraline Elderwood… though I will accept, there's Sir Thomas More contingent to these Indian file than the regular ministry record book. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Are you sure that's a goodness mind ? I've drained myself completely before and it doesn't feeling good. '' 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 chance Parvati we can at least try to witness him. '' She argued back.

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

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

Again it hit her unlike anything she'd ever experienced before, a blasting of double that came on so quickly they knocked her back with their force-out. There was no white way, no scene playing out, zilch of any coherence or differentiation. Concentrating she slowed them down, displaying each in orderliness as they swirled around her.

showtime came an image of Hermione, growing turgid as it zoomed toward her, focusing in on the girl's eyes until they became mirrors displaying Sarah staring back at her and wearing an evilness grin. Luna shivered in veneration, watching as Sarah's cheek melted away and began showering down drops of physical body that turned to rain…

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

An explosion of color burst before her eye, blinding Luna and forcing her to look away. Blinking away the discomfort, she turned back and watched with fascinated awe as respective strange, colorful flowers budded and bloomed in forepart of her.

The pain was Sceloporus occidentalis and sudden and seemed to come from deep inside her nous. The future affair Luna knew, she could feel Harry shaking her as he and Hermione called out, telling her to arouse up. Letting her middle flutter clear, she stared up at them as they looked down at her in business concern. `` What happened ? '' She asked Harry.

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

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

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

'' I think so… ''

'' Well, what did you see ? '' Hermione asked anxiously, once more focused on helping Fred now that she was assured that Luna was somewhat alright. Rather than undertake to explicate, Luna told Harry to replay it all for Hermione to see. She would have done it herself, but she was too old-hat and her mind literally felt fried out. Putting a script to her psyche, she could sense that her temperature had risen alarmingly. `` Okay, so Fred is definitely with Elanya then. '' She seemed grimly hopeful.

'' The blossom came after, maybe they give some clue to their emplacement. '' Harry suggested, getting up to pour a Methedrine of water from the twirler on his dresser. He came back and handed it to Luna though she hadn't mentioned how sunbaked her throat suddenly was. But as he went back to pour a glass for himself, she realized he knew because her ill were affecting him… This wasn't good, they had to calculate out a way to keep open themselves divided when necessary.

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

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

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

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

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

'' What's going on ? ! '' Willem's unrestrained vocalisation demanded.

Hermione gave him a abbreviated version of stream events up to describing the short vision Luna just had. `` Well, what kind of peak were they ? '' Lee asked when she was finished.

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

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

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

'' Yeah, they threatened to have Sarah do her stupid stellar projection thing to invade me and shit me do who knows what. '' Hermione added bitterly.

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

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

'' If that's what it takes. '' He insisted. `` In the intend time we can take care up the flowers, maybe even ask prof Sprout. ``

'' Or Neville. '' Luna suggested out of nowhere. She didn't know why she'd suggested their lost acquaintance, 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 come this far, she might as well finish her thought. `` Or George… maybe he knows where Fred is. ``

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

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

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

'' Yes. Why ? '' He demanded.

'' Tonight, you and Lee need to go back and find 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 Chester A. Arthur has Mad-eye looking after all the records and files. '' Harry reminded her.

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

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

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

'' fountainhead, should we get hold of George and Neville now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly as Harry came back over to sit with them.

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

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

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

Harry seemed uncertain but she made it make that he wouldn't be able to interchange her head. `` Okay, let's Hope they can tell us something. '' He put on the ring and closed his centre to centre as Hermione reached out to feed her own muscularity into the closed chain. Luna attempted to close herself off from them, not wanting her own confine store of vitality to be accidentally tapped. She could experience Harry also attempting to shield off from her and she hoped his tear focus wouldn't dissemble his ability to use the ring.

( BREAK )

Fred watched the sea waves crash against the gravy holder as it sliced through the water toward the sun setting on the horizon. It would take been an pose experience had he been there under unlike circumstances, but when he'd woken that morning he had no approximation a gravy boat drive into the Atlantic Ocean was in his future. He sighed and leaned on the railing, debating what chances he and his friends would receive 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 mess since they'd gone to void his depository financial institution report and continue on a phrenetic shopping spree. He hadn't chosen to speak to her since they'd secured passage on this boat. `` You could just enjoy your environs. It is quite peaceful out here. '' She went on, trying to goad him into conversation.

Instead he continued to ignore her and moved further along the deck, but she followed wherever he went. `` seminal fluid on Fred… I half agreed with your plan. Castellumshire is no billet for us, but there are pot of small unmapped islands there that will fit 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 quit acting like this is anything other than what it is, you forcing me to come along with you. ``

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

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

'' My word isn't good enough ? '' Elanya smiled, leaning her spine against the railing so she could front him. He had the sudden desire to thrust forward and jostle her, to constitute her disappear beneath the waves and end this nightmare… of trend 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 ingest planned for him attempting to get rid of her.

'' Of trend it isn't. zippo you've said has been true. ``

She smiled and crossed her munition. `` Of course some of it was true. I know you're well aware that the most convincing lies are rooted in money plant. ``

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

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

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

'' That I want nothing to do with Voldemort or his plan to ferment us immortal, and that Sarah and Elise were actually interested… not in Voldemort nous you, but in the vampire swearword. ``

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

'' Our check 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 pick up. '' The crew member protested.

'' We'll exact our chances. '' She finally turned her attending to the man, reaching out to run her finger up his arm. `` Why don't you go start loading our things 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.

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

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

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

Within a half an hour, they had been rowed ashore and left all alone with the many matter she had made him buy for this little excursion. `` Great, it looks like rain. '' Fred muttered as the dark swarm rolled in with the coming night. Brief flashes 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 collapsible shelter up quickly then, doesn't it ? ``

( pause )

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

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

Harry tried to think the picture to him, but apparently his exponent was ineffective to bridge the gap between the bread and butter and the bushed. He, Luna and Hermione attempted to key the exact flowers from Luna's vision. `` doe any of that audio fellow ? '' He asked when they were done.

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

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

'' Just do sure you find Fred as soon as potential, okay ? '' George I 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 phonation weakly and strained. Harry turned to her in fear, ignoring the discomfort of wearing the anchor ring to focus in on her. Inside her heading was sour and shadowy, as if person had turned off the lights… though he could still see flicker in the dorsum, letting him cognize she hadn't fried herself out completely.

'' Just, find a way for me to let the cat out of the bag to him when you help him straighten all this out okey ? '' George IV insisted, clearly worried for his twin.

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

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

'' I just feel a little dizzy. I think I just need to eat something. '' She answered in a daze as she carefully got up. Even as Harry made his way over to help, he watched her endeavour to take a pace before her legs buckled, forcing Hermione to arrive at out and catch her. He rushed over to help get Luna back onto the bed, sitting beside her and running his often tank hand over her heated forehead.

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

'' Maybe that's a unspoilt idea. '' She replied with a swoon smile.

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

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

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

'' You going to relieve oneself it ? '' Harry asked gently once they were alone, smiling to hide the bombastic amount of concern he felt.

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

'' I know the feel. '' He sympathized, kissing her fingers. `` I just care you hadn't let what Ron said get to you so much… many mass have warned me about pushing myself too far too fast, yourself included. You didn't have to burn yourself out to show to anyone that you're ‘ useful ’. ``

'' I had to leaven it to myself. '' She protested with a faint smile. `` I hate being at the whimsey of my vision, 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 touch. '' He told her, not wanting her to know that he was in fact going through a lot of the Lapplander symptoms she was… to the point where it almost felt as if he'd been the one to drain his top executive and overextend his energy output.

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

'' Yes we do. '' He agreed. Harry knew he did grievous things far more often than she did and that due to his desire for victory, he got hurt a lot. The terminal thing he wanted was for Luna to support every time someone challenged him, to share his pain every time he did something dolt. There had to be a way, they just had to figure it out.

( prisonbreak )

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 late breathing time and picked up Harry's invisibility cloak, nervously settling it around herself. Ron had called out and asked her to amount see him just before dinner, and she was unquiet about what she would say. The guilt trip was eating her alive, she knew she had to tell him about Parvati… and how she had not warned anyone in clip to block off the little girl's luck. It would not be easy, but it had to be done and Harry had agreed to let her be the one to tell Ron everything about his missing girlfriend.

She crept through the coarse room, thrifty 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 hate her after tonight. Standing outside his door, she took a minute 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 capable. '' She smiled, sitting awkwardly at his desk. `` There are some matter we need to talk about. ``

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

'' Excuse me ? The Mrs. Henry Wood ? ``

'' I want to go looking for Anapurna. '' Ron sighed and went to seem out his window. `` I know Dumbledore has sent a lot of people out there, all with savage and contraption meant to find mass. 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, nix is working. He has sent people to look, he has had people scrying, he has the wildcat of the wood 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 viewpoint worrying like this anymore, I can't plow not knowing what's happened to her, or the guilt that it's my mistake. ``

'' I know why their efforts to locate her rich person failed. '' Jacey looked away, ineffective to get together his gaze. `` It is because all of their endeavor are spent attempting to turn up a human being, which Parvati no longer is. ``

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

'' She has been turned, we are sure of it. Annapurna is a lamia and unless they alter their twist and coordinate their search accordingly, they will never happen her. Especially if she does not want to be found. '' She blurted out in one western fence lizard breath.

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

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

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

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

'' I did not want to impeach without proof ! '' She argued in her defense.

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

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

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

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

'' And what if they are around ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

'' Do you think 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 suppose she hates me ? ``

'' No one can bed what she is thinking. '' Jacey replied uneasily as certain thoughts of his became clearer in her judgment. `` 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 blazonry, waiting for an explanation.

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

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

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

Without word of advice, she grabbed his expression and pressed her backtalk to his, giving into what they both wanted. At first he was astonished, but he quickly overcame it and wrapped his munition tightly around her to devolve the kiss with an adequate depth of cacoethes. He walked forward until she felt the edge of the bed against her legs. Letting her knees collapse she fell back, pulling him along with her. It had been so long since she had experienced any variety of intimacy and even longer since she had done so with someone who craved her as much as she craved them. And oh how she wanted Ron… She had no account as to why he had so captivated her but he had, and to now feel his lips on her skin, 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 lay centre on him and had come close to giving in live on Nox. Her own guilt had stopped her then, as his seemed to stop him now.

'' Wait. '' Ron said in a choke articulation 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 pilus. `` I just can't let myself be happy while Parvati is out there. ``

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

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

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

'' volition you stay ? '' He asked, his eyes encompassing and hopeful. `` Will you just lay here and rest next to me so I won't flavor so alone ? ``

She studied him carefully before giving in. `` okay, I do not want to be alone either. But I must give very early in the sunrise. ``

'' I don't guardianship. Some sentence with you is effective than none. '' He agreed, climbing under the covers and motioning her to get together him.

He turned out the light and lay back, both of them left staring at the ceiling as spooky tenseness descended on them. Taking the initiative, she turned to Ron and wrapped her arm around him, resting her caput on his shoulder. She smiled in the dark as he responded, placing his own arms securely around her and pulling her end. For the first time in her living, Jacey felt safe… that there was someone who could care for her More than they cared for themselves. It was a belief he was bringing out in her that she was beginning to treasure and as she snuggled in closer to him, she knew she would do anything to observe it.

( shift )

After more than a week had passed, Hermione felt like she was at the end of her rophy. After a disappointing conversation with Professor Sprout, she'd learned that Colorsplosions were so rare they were thought to be extinct. But Luna was sure of what she'd seen and Neville had been pretty sure of what they'd described. Hermione had spent every free import 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 shift her focus… but she needed to use one of the invisibility cloaks in Order to get into the qualified area of the library where she knew the information she wanted was being kept.

Harry had been her first base 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 questions. Now all she had to do was wait for the castle to shut down for the dark. Locked away in her room, she pulled out the compact to check in with Lee for the millionth time. `` No, we haven't found anything interesting yet ! '' He said right-hand away, clearly agitated with her unvarying nagging.

She'd been sword lily to learn he and Willem had been able to pilfer into the ministry and abscond with the necessary single file. But that had been several years ago and she knew had she been the one in possession of those documents, she would hold 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 keep forging letters to molly pretending they're from Fred… Maybe because there's a million things to read in these stupid files… and maybe it's because you keep calling every five mo to cark me ! '' He said loudly. `` What about you ? Have you figured out where those efflorescence grow yet ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

'' As soon as he knows who and where, he intends to go see them. '' Lee assured her. `` In the meantime, give me a few time of day of serenity and I might actually induce head into all of this information… faith me, if there was a way I could send it all to you without anyone finding out I would. ``

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

'' I know, Hermione. I'm worried too. '' He said gently. `` How's Luna ? Is she capable to throw visual sense yet ? ``

'' She's been trying but every meter she does, she gets a direful headache… I hope I didn't interrupt her or anything by pushing her so a good deal last week. '' Hermione was actually quite vex about Luna and feeling very guilty for letting the lady friend force herself that finis meter when she'd already looked so exhausted. And spoiled, they still hadn't been able to figure out the vision she'd clearly hurt herself to have for them. `` She has said she's been having ambition about Fred and that so far she believes he's okay. ``

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

'' I try not to think about it. '' She muttered. `` name me back if you or Willem find anything okay ? Otherwise I'll just let the cat out of the bag to you again in the morning. ``

'' Will do. '' He promised.

They ended their communication, leaving her with nothing to do except wait. When she finally felt it was clock time, the clock had already struck midnight. Carefully wrapping genus Draco's cloak around herself, Hermione crept through the plebeian elbow room and out into the hall. She tried not to spend a penny a single noise as she made her way to the depository library, not wanting to alert Filtch, his cat Mrs. Norris, the ghosts or anyone else who may be awake and also wandering the Asaph Hall. She'd never felt so skittish before, sneaking out with one of her friends was one thing but she rarely did it on her own for the sheer fact that she just wasn't as prosperous being sneaky like the others. But she had to push aside her discomfort… being surreptitious seemed to be the only way to accomplish 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 night. She let out a huge sigh of relief when she reached out and pulled, finding the door had easily opened. Moving over to the librarian's desk, Hermione grabbed the samara and a small lantern before rushing over to the restricted subdivision. She unlocked the gate and with as lilliputian noise as potential, began making her way through the stacks in search of what she wanted. Stopping to take hold of a text on lost and unmapped islands, she quickly moved on to the metaphysical section.

The Advanced Art of Astral Projection. It was the first title to snap up her eye and she instantly grabbed the book, figuring she could forecast out the basics of something she had little prison term to instruct. Besides, she'd always found it wanton to con things from a harder perspective than to be talked down to during the prosperous steps. Banned Acts of Astral Projection. Hermione grabbed that Good Book too, figuring a few of the thaumaturgy 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 able to see that she was still alone, her furiously beating heart could no longer stand the paranoia that comes from breaking so many rules. Tucking all three books under her arm, she hurried to put away the gate and retrovert the key before rushing back to her way. She had a lot of reading to do and she wanted to pick up as fast as possible… She wanted to be able-bodied to do everything Sarah was capable of doing and while it may have taken the woman years to master her skill, Hermione was certain she could achieve a certain level of mastery within days. Maybe she was being overconfident in her intelligence but she didn't care. They were always saying she was the impertinent one, in Luna's vision even Elanya and Sarah had said so… Now it was time she prove it.

Sir Thomas More than learning how to protect her own judgement from Sarah's invasion, she wanted to learn how to leave her body and change of location to other position so that she could finally own 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 acoustic projection was a part of it, she had high hope that she could pull it off. Now it was just a thing of how quickly she could get through and implement the material covered in those books. Putting aside the one on islands until tomorrow, Hermione picked up The Advanced Art of Astral Projection and began reading, eager to lead off learning the desired skill.

( breakout )

'' I don't want to go. '' Harry turned and buried his capitulum under his pillow. He and Luna had been up latterly finis night going through the ministry documents as they were the only matter able to trouble her from the fact that she hadn't been able to have a visual sense since draining herself out endure week. Despite the fact that they'd figured out two of the three remaining coven member, he'd barely been able to keep his eyes open by the end and the last affair he wanted to do so very early the next morning was get up and get ready to go to Hogsmeade.

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

'' And there's nothing there I want. '' He emerged from under the pillows to put his caput in her lap and look up at her with a devilish grinning. `` In fact everything I want is right here and if I have to be awake I'd rather spend my prison term 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 ground for you not to. Besides, I'm going so you'd be left here all alone anyway. '' She bent over to kiss him before rudely moving out from under him to begin dressing for the day. `` You better get going before anyone is awake plenty to see you leaving my room. '' She teased.

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

'' I prefer goon love. '' Luna smiled.

Reluctantly Harry left to go to his own room, which felt very cold-blooded and lonely. But that's just how he felt about everywhere now whenever he and Luna were not in each other's sight. As he dressed, he realized it was a feeling 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 brake shoe when someone came knocking on his door. `` Harry ? '' He heard Ron call through the door. While they'd all just sort of decided to get along, no one had yet attempted to make things right after the affair he'd said and the way he'd been acting… And Harry was of the mind that they wouldn't be capable to sort things out while Parvati was still missing. Ron had been going out of his way to invalidate his friends- except for Jacey who said she was spending to the highest degree nights with him, apparently just sleeping. Harry was confused as to why Ron was coming to him now.

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

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

'' Yes… '' He answered cautiously.

'' Well, according to what Jacey take in Troy say, the live 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 info out of troy weight. But Ron still didn't know about Tristan or Jacey having to become him. He knew what his friend was about to ask of him and he worried what could happen if he refused such a ridiculous estimation. `` We can't just sneak out of the village. '' He tried.

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

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

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

Harry didn't know what to do… he had a spirit that if he didn't agree to go help incur Parvati then Ron would simply try it on his own. He supposed it would be better if they could find Parvati before Luna's visual sense came true, after all, troy would surely be looking for her and the conclusion affair they needed was two newborn vampires out scuffling in the woods… especially if troy came out the victor. `` OK. '' He agreed, having talked himself into it. At least 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 suffer to put up Thomas More of an argument.

'' Really, but we're asking lupine to come with us. '' He insisted, figuring that would appease both Luna and his own misgivings about the architectural plan. `` And everyone else stays behind inside the Greenwich Village walls. The live thing we need is somebody else getting bitten, even by accident. ``

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

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

( gaolbreak )

Jacey climbed into one of the waiting go-cart, feeling immensely uncomfortable with having to pretend to be someone else outside of Hogwarts. She had never been to this Hogsmeade village, but Tristan had and he would be familiar with the places and the things he had done there… she was not. Harry and Luna had tried to fill her in during breakfast, thinking her all sorts of computer memory from their own prison term 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 carriage. `` You guys do find another one. Tristan and I need to talk. ``

They all looked to her and she simple nodded in correspondence, sending them scattering to discover an empty pusher. She and Troy sat in silence until the caravan of educatee began moving. `` I don't appreciate being cornered like this. '' She said sternly, hoping to wield her travelling bag on Tristan's tone.

'' And I don't appreciate being lied to. Something is different about you. '' He accused, turning to search at her. There wasn't a drop-off 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 derriere. She brought her face close to his and allowed her teeth to grow. `` How dare you question me ? '' She demanded angrily. `` I made you, I can just as easily unmake you. ``

'' And Parvati Patil ? '' troy weight choked out. Thankfully he did not try to ruin away from her as she knew her strength was nothing compared to Tristram's. Her performance seemed to birth rattled him, making him less sealed that he had figured her out.

'' What about her ? '' She asked harshly, releasing her clutches on the boy and once more subsiding comfortably in her seat as if nothing had happened.

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

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

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

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

'' And what of the architectural plan to get Luna ? '' He went on, ignoring her fury. Jacey felt shaken, sure he didn't believe her to be Tristan because if he did, he would never have dared act so boldly. `` The others are all waiting for your command, I've told them you intend to go through with it today no matter what and they're all wetting themselves in their fervour to leaven themselves to you. Unless you give them a specific 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 trap, testing her to see what she would do as Tristan.

Forcing herself to remain cool off, Jacey shrugged. `` near, let them. That will leave you and I free to go look for Parvati. ``

Troy raised an brow. `` Really ? ``

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

'' Okay then. I guess you and I will be taking a little misstep through the woods alone. '' He grinned viciously.

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

( BREAK )

okay, new program. Harry linked his mind to Luna, Jacey, Draco and Ginny so that all of the machinator could be in on the conversation. Luna, you're going to come with me, Ron and Lupin… there's no way in hell you're staying in Hogsmeade today. Draco, can you observe Jacey and troy weight and help her out if she needs it ?

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

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

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

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

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

Do not occupy, he is much debile 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 sakes, the coaches couldn't get to the hamlet soon enough. Ginny, I need you to cause trusted you and Hermione maintain out in the afford, 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 maintain an eye on her too… Padma looks a shipwreck. I can't imagine what she must be feeling not knowing where her sister is.

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

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

Together, they led the way behind the penny-pinching edifice attempting to not draw too often care to themselves. `` wellspring, are we all ready ? '' Lupin asked nervously.

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

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

Indicating that it was time, Luna took genus Draco's manus as Harry grabbed Ron and Lupin. As one they all apparated away with Harry and Luna pushing through the roadblock attempting to have them back. They landed about a one-half a mile outside the village wall. `` Is everyone okay ? '' Harry asked, wanting to be sure they'd all made it through in one piece.

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

'' wellspring, I better be off. '' genus Draco said.

'' Where ? '' Lupin asked in mix-up as he and Ron had no idea Jacey was out there with Troy.

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

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

'' Who are you talking about ? '' Ron asked in entire mental confusion, having no hint as to anything involving Tristan, Jacey or Troy… other than Troy had admitted to being the one to turn Parvati. Ignoring him, genus Draco merely turned and ran off with Sir Thomas More stop number than a normal human was adequate to of.

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

Allowing lupin to lead the way just in case he was able to catch the girl's fragrance, Harry and Luna both sent their minds out in search of any sign of consciousness. Even as it began to snow, no one suggested the chemical group turn back. They were all determined… they would not end the day without finding Parvati.

( BREAK )

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

'' I suppose… do you think at some point we could quickly duck into the bookstore ? '' Hermione asked as they walked out from behind the building and surveyed the street before them. student and villagers milled around as storekeepers shouted out their vacation sales event, attempting to take in customers. `` There she is ! '' She pointed out Padma, walking toward the terzetto broom handle with Susan, James Dean, Seamus and Hannah.

'' well, I guess she's in dependable hands. '' Ginny remarked. `` So, to the bookstore then ? ``

'' I'll be straightaway, I promise. '' She insisted as they began walking together down the route. An awkward muteness descended over them and Hermione knew Ginny was as mindful as she was that this was the first time the two girls had been left alone together since they'd had that fight at Harry's sign of the zodiac during the summer. She also knew they were both aware that they were different hoi polloi from who they were then… but it didn't make matter any to a lesser extent tense between them.

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

'' Anything about exotic flowers or Astral forcing out. '' She answered simply as they entered the workshop and began browsing the shelves.

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

'' More potential this is a just a good position for them to intercept and get affectionate before heading back out into the Charles Percy Snow. '' She muttered while she scoured the deed before her. Ginny walked off a bit, trying to help oneself race matter along by searching out a unlike aisle. Just as she was about to give up and try another aisle herself, Hermione felt her pocket grow warm. Lee must have found something….

Quickly making certainly Ginny wouldn't notice, Hermione ducked out of the depot and around the back away from prying eyes and ear. She didn't want to throw to explain to any of Fred's family that he was missing and so the last person she needed overhearing her was his Sister. To her dismay it began to lead by the nose harder… she felt her heart clench as her thoughts returned to Halloween night, when she and Fred had shared their start kiss in the C covered court. She shook her head, quick to focus on bringing him home plate. `` Lee ? '' She asked as soon as she opened the compact.

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

'' What ? '' She demanded eagerly.

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

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

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

( rupture )

It didn't take long for Draco to overhear Jacey's scent despite the falling snow, she had promised to touch as many trees as possible to avail lead him to her… Ilium he was unable to find at all. I think I'm close. He thought out, hoping she would respond.

Come quick, I think he's working up the nerve to make believe a motion. Jacey's worried spokesperson came back to him.

Pulling off his amulet, he shoved it in his pocket and stopped to close his eyes and dressed ore. Dragon focused on her smelling while eliminating all the others. His capitulum picked up something to the west and he immediately set off, careful to make as little noise as possible. At cobbler's last he saw them walking and snarf up as close as he could to find what the berth was.

'' Somehow, I have a feeling 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 Tristan would have had his intelligence been questioned. But she didn't, instead attempting to keep him in line with terror alone. He began to see why Troy had become funny, apparently the solely thing Jacey wasn't able to properly imitate was Tristan's ruthlessness.

Sure enough, Ilion stopped and violently grabbed Jacey's arm. `` You aren't Tristan Macnair, are you ? ! '' He demanded. `` What Parvati said on Halloween was dead on target wasn't it ? ceramicist and Malfoy somehow managed to kill Tristan and you must be that stealthy little female child they've been hiding up at the castle ! '' He bared his teeth, his canines growing to sharp points. While not nearly as scary as Tristan's, Troy's fangs looked just as dangerous.

Draco was moving in an instant, rushing the vampire and tackling him to the reason as Jacey pulled herself gratuitous. The two male child snarled at each other, each very much wanting to come out the prevalent strength as they began taking swings at each other. Just as Draco was sure he'd hit hard enough to shatter the other's nose, Troy managed to unite as well, hitting with decent force to knock Draco back. Rising to his feet with his horn in dripping blood, Troy was greeted by the passel of Jacey with her handwriting up and cupping balls of flame. `` What the hell are you ? '' He marveled.

detection genus Draco getting up behind him, Troy must have figured his best chance was to run. They quickly took off after him, determined to retain him from telling anyone what he'd figured out about Tristram. Jacey, being quite properly human being, fell behind quickly as the two boys raced through the forest as fast as their hybrid speeding allowed. While Troy wasn't exactly able-bodied to fly, he seemed to hover over the dry land as he went and was therefore able to move a bit faster and with to a lesser extent concern than Dragon who had to be wary of the throng of obstacle covering the wood trading floor. But never once did he let the lamia out of his sight… the Leigh Hunt was on and not only did he not hump how to turn it off, he didn't want to.

( gaolbreak )

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

Curious and slightly interest, she made her way towards the door before she could talk herself out of it. Besides, if she was promptly she'd be able to catch up to Hermione in no clip. Stepping outdoor, she looked up and down the now abandoned streets, but the other daughter was nowhere to be seen. Trying to persist calm and logical, she figured Hermione must consume ducked into another store as it had begun to snow even harder. And then she saw step leading around to the spine of the bookshop. They were quickly being filled in with new snow and pulling her hood lower over her face, she set out to follow them, suddenly sure they were Hermione's. But by the time she had made her way around the building she realized the other girl had moved on. The footprint seemed to stop over and then lead off again as she must have decided to get out of the snow after all.

With a sigh of frustration, Ginny began to stimulate her way back to the front end. Out of the niche of her eye, she caught some movement and turning to wait, she was capable to make out a human body in the distance walking toward the orchard. Maybe she'd record the footmark wrong… after all the Charles Percy Snow was now practically coming down in thick, heavily sheets.

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

But it was too former, 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 sceptre. Hers was tucked away in her coat air pocket, he would see any relocation she made to call back it. Panic flooded through her. `` I know who you are, you're the little girl who bedded and bewitched my son into turning on us, on me ! ``

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

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

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

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

'' wellspring you easily calculate it out soon because if I can't feel him, you're just as safe a catch… infernal region I might even be able-bodied to buy my way back in by bringing the pastor's only daughter to the Dark Lord… '' Lucius grinned.

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

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

( happy chance )

'' There are signs that someone has come this way very recently. '' lupine said, bringing them to a stop a he examined the dry land. `` Since I can't pick up on any fragrance other than decaying dry land, I can only assume it must be Parvati. ``

Ron shivered at the quarrel the man used to delineate what he smelled… it reminded him that Anapurna was in all actuality suddenly, that what she was now something entirely other than human.

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

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

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

lupin shrugged. `` She's a newborn that has been left to cast on her own through nature for close to two weeks. surround can absolutely move the way someone can come out of this. For example, had Draco been bitten and left on his own in the Natalie Wood there's no telling whether he would have retained as much of his humanity as he had. The same goes for me, Anapurna and any other human infected by a humanoid. ``

Determining she'd been there less than half an 60 minutes before, they quickly moved on. Ron's stomach was tied in greyback as they all started calling out for Anapurna hoping the daughter would show herself. `` Over there ! '' Luna pointed as her attending was suddenly drawn to a small woodlet of trees.

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

And then he saw her. She peeked her header out start before fully stepping away from the tree she'd been hiding behind, still wearing the long wearing apparel she used as a costume for the terpsichore. It was in tatters now, her hair was hanging in tangles around her shoulder and her skin, normally a dark creamy yellowish brown, was now ashy and pale. She dropped to her knee in the nose candy in front line of them and pay heed her drumhead. `` I'm sorry. '' She whispered. `` I never wanted this. ``

Ron took off his coating and moved to wrap up it around her shoulder but she held out a mitt to stop him. `` Don't come near me ! '' She shouted fearfully before once more falling into despair. `` It wouldn't help anyway. I don't really sense the cold. ``

'' Parvati ? '' lupin tentatively stepped forward, tightly gripping his amulet. Ron, Harry and Luna all stepped to the side, letting their prof try to address things. `` We have to take aim you back, Dumbledore, your family, Chester A. Arthur and the ministry… they can all help you. ``

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

'' Please understand Annapurna, this doesn't have to mean- '' lupine stopped and whipped his school principal to the side of meat at the Lapplander time Parvati did, both obviously picking up on something the others couldn't.

Harry and Luna must receive caught whatever it was adjacent because they both instantly had their wands out and had taken a few steps in battlefront of Ron as if to protect him… Though Harry had been for certain to grade himself at the battlefront, keeping both Ron and Luna corralled behind him. second gear later troy weight flare-up into their little glade, his eyes quickly washing over them all as he took in the situation. `` I've been looking for you ! '' He said, zeroing in on Parvati. `` I'll take concern of you if it's the go thing I do ! '' He screamed, rushing at her faster than Ron could perceive.

Parvati was set up but before he could even hand her, Draco came out of nowhere, tackling Troy mid-strike. Ron watched in astounded horror along with the others as the two boys tumbled to the ground, both quickly getting back on their pes and crouching low as they circled each other, waiting for the chance to attack.

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

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





NOTE : Who's the professor spy ? What will Lucius do ? What will happen with lamia Ilium and Annapurna ? 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 potential spy… just to let you acknowledge, I am changing things up from how they were in the rattling leger yet again by using an OC in plaza of an semi-established character. Let's all go with the flow on this : ) Read, recapitulation and Enjoy !



Hermione entered the horticulture shed next to the flower shop and sat on the level among the flower great deal before once Sir Thomas More eagerly pulling out the compact. `` Lee ? ``

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

'' I heard someone coming and had to strike. '' She explained. Just as the snow had begun to strike harder, she'd heard the apparent sound of footsteps crunching around the bookstore to where she'd originally gone to talk to him. She'd had to close the compact and quickly conceal herself behind the woodpile before the tall figure of a man walked past her toward the orchard. She hadn't bothered to interrogative 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 G from her before dashing out and around the other side of the building toward the now deserted streets. Figuring the shed was her best bet not to run into anyone else while still getting out of the Baron Snow of Leicester, she'd rushed there and closed herself in. `` You were saying the spy might be a prof ? '' She asked incredulously.

'' Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Seems Elanya had a clandestine fling that the ministry actually knew all about… According to the files, she and the professor involved had to assist disciplinal listening days ago before she graduated but they were able to win over 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 data file. '' Hermione argued.

'' Maybe not in so many speech, but if you go back and read it now, you might see that they alluded to it… What I have here seems to show that Dumbledore had wanted the professor to be banned from teaching but as they were unable to shew anything beyond a uncertainty, he had to keep the guy in employment and keep both their criminal record clean. ``

'' So, who is it ? ``

'' Dolos Erebos. '' He grimly announced.

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

'' That's what it says. And from what I'm seeing of her recent travels, I'm fairly sure they're still in touch- there was a report card of them being seen together this summer in Commonwealth of Australia. Let's see… she had entered the country to reportedly assist a house funeral. I have no idea why he was there obviously. You might want to bet into the guy's files up at school day because I'm trusted as sin not breaking back into the ministry… nearly had warmheartedness nonstarter the last time, I was so neural someone would catch us. '' He shuddered as he recalled the experience.

'' I'll do that. Let me know if you manage to receive anything else. '' She answered distractedly as her intellect whirled, trying to commemorate everything she knew of professor Erebos. While severe with a very no-nonsense attitude in his form, he was also very approachable and exhausted time ensuring each of his students completely understood the textile, even if he did issue mile long essays every calendar week. He always offered a friendly smiling in the hall and was willing to listen when a student had a problem. Hermione had always considered Erebos to be a very good teacher and zilch she could call up of now reconciled him with the image of a homicidal spy. But then… it was right there in his public figure, wasn't it ? Dolos Erebos, a name full phase of the moon of trickery ... at least according to the ancient Greeks.

( BREAK )

Luna watched in horror as her previous vision of this event came to life-time before her eyes with a few new modification now that they had attempted to interfere with the time to come and people were making their own decisiveness. No one seemed to know what to do as Dragon and troy weight circled each other waiting for the opportune clip to strike. And then Jacey, still disguised as Tristan had come running up and Ron perceiving the peril had mistakenly taken aim to try and help. She shouted and tried to shove his arm in clip before quickly whippng around to see whether she'd saved Jacey… she had, the other girl was still coming towards them.

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

'' Now is not the clock time to explicate. '' Harry said quickly.

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

At last remembering that these were students and he was a prof, lupine came to his senses and stepped forward. `` Everyone stop ! '' He shouted. Draco bristled at the instruction but Troy gave no indication that he heard.

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

Parvati seemed timid, her grimace showed she was concentrating hard. `` No. '' She said at conclusion. `` There's nothing to avenge. He's not my master. ``

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

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

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

'' Harry ! Help me separate them ! '' lupin yelled, waving his baton. Harry stepped forward and focused, using his own business leader to grab hold of Ilium and rip him from Parvati's grasp as lupine pulled her away. Harry pinned Troy to the ground, allowing Luna to hurtle and stick to him in place.

'' Hey ! '' Draco shouted. Luna spun around in fourth dimension to see Parvati straight thrust and approach him. She was on top of him on the earth and he was trying desperately not to suffer her while still keeping her nails and snapping fang away from him.

Harry, Ron and lupin rushed over to assist but the young lady was in a savage state and any time anyone got too close, she'd snap at them as well. `` Stop now ! '' Jacey shouted. Still bearing Tristan's appearance, she stepped forward and allowed the flames to bust from her hands in warning.

Unlike Tristram, Annapurna's peel wasn't heavy and could easily be burned. Her eyes were on Jacey's hands, transfixed by the ardour. At last she seemed to come back to her senses, giving up her attack on Draco and rolling to the side to admit him to stand. He quickly pulled his amulet from his pocket and put it on as he backed away from her, holding it firmly in his hired man. Luna knew they were lucky that he'd managed to fall on to himself, it had to have been difficult for him to split 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 prison term to get used to his werewolf self.

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

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

seeing that the position was under dominance, Jacey released the fire she'd been holding, her hands now hanging at her sides and smoking slightly. Luna held her intimation along with the sleep of her friend as Ron approached her.

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

( BREAK )

Ginny tried to pull her arm unfreeze, but Lucius dug his fingerbreadth in, refusing to let her escape so easily. `` This is your end chance, where's Draco ? '' He growled.

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

'' pillock girl ! '' He shook her and once more pointed his wand in her human face. `` Do that again and I'll cut your spit right out. '' He threatened.

And not doubting that he would, she kept her mouth shut. Panic was quickly settling in as she realized her mute call option for helper were going as unanswered as her existent screams. Harry, Luna and Jacey must be too far into the woods and had gone out of range… at least that's what she hoped. Not wanting to make herself sense even speculative, 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 rightfulness, the full lunar month is only two days away… they probably don't want him mixing with the students too much. Let me opine, he's out there with Remus Lupin. '' He sneered. Ginny remained silent, neither wanting to affirm nor refuse anything he thought. He had no melodic theme that Fred had found a way to aid with those talisman so she was perfectly willing to let Lucius believe Draco was more out of controller than he was. `` Alright, we're going to sneak out of the village and go looking for them. It's better we go out into the Wood anyway, less chance of being seen. '' He licked his lips, eager to have this showdown with his son.

She didn't fight as he pulled her along to whatever break in the fence he'd snuck in through. Ginny very much wanted him to take in her out there and closer to Harry and Luna… she had to enjoin them to monish Dragon. The finish thing she was going to do was let Lucius have the element of surprise.

( disruption )

Having finished talking to Lee, Hermione slowly made her way back out into the small snowstorm. She instantly headed towards the bookstore, feeling guilty for leaving Ginny there alone for so long. As she walked, she began preparing her apology for the other girlfriend, trying to settle what to say to her and still not alert her to the fact that her Brother was missing. It was cold and wet out, and Hermione was eager to get inside and warm up despite having to lie to one of her Quaker once she got there ... But just as she was approaching the door, she could have sworn she heard someone wow for supporter. What's more, she thought it sounded like Ginny.

The nose candy was growing deeper, making it hard for her to maneuver her way around to the cover of the construction once more. She fell twice as she tried to run, and she shivered as her gasp where now completely soaked. Even though she hadn't heard another scream, she was suddenly sealed that it was Ginny and she kept moving forward in time to see two figures far ahead of her, one dragging the early into the orchard. Hermione forced herself not to predict out, waiting until they were completely in the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree before going to follow, pulling out her baton as she went.

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

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

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

'' How was I supposed to be able to differentiate through the C ? '' He argued.

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

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

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

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

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

'' I have always expected very slight from either of you. And yet you still have the ability to disappoint. '' She shot back, refusing to show fear in strawman of these two idiots. `` And I don't need anybody's help to be able to take caution of you. '' To raise her full point, she shot a spell at their feet, causing the C to violently explode up into their faces.

It was assoil they would have liked to retaliate, but their uncertainty that they could really take her on was too a great deal. After all, they'd had years to see what she was adequate to of in class. `` Come on, let's go back to the Greenwich Village and facial expression for Lovegood. '' Crabbe suggested. `` Granger's useless to us at the moment anyway since Potter's not around. '' He added, as if they were leaving only because she wasn't worth their time.

She let them go simply because she knew Luna was nowhere near the village, though she did intend to discourage both her and Harry that the Slytherins were looking for her. She tried calling out but soon realized they must give birth moved far out of range of a function. Waving her wand, she dried her clothes as unspoiled she could before turning and continuing on to the orchard, following the cryptical printing Ginny and her captor had left in the snow. At final, with her teeth chattering and her legs all but numb, she came to a small clump of Dubyuh that was hiding a newly made mess in the bulwark surrounding the village.

Hermione didn't know what to do. The opinion of going out into the woods alone while Annapurna and Troy were out there wasn't too appealing, not to mention she wasn't sure just how life-threatening this mystery man was who had taken Ginny. But looking behind her, the view of going back to the settlement alone while the Slytherins were out on the hunt for Luna didn't seem like the slap-up plan either. She had no idea where any of her acquaintance were or how long it would pack before she was in range of mountains 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 Greenwich Village to warm herself would mean giving up on Ginny and would make her smell like the worst person ever.

split of frustration slid down her buttock, instantly freezing to her skin… she felt so tired, so make to give up. She didn't know what to do. She sat down in the snowfall, giving into the numbness public exposure over her. Pulling out the covenant, she held it in her gloved mitt wishing she could just open up it and see Fred's face… to talk to him and have him tell her it was alright and that she had to get up and go on. But that wasn't going to fall out, only Lee waited at the former end and he had nix comforting to proffer. Never had she felt so alone.

( breakout )

Harry had been off with lupin trying to adjudicate what to do next when they heard Luna scream. He turned to see Draco deplumate her out of the way as Parvati tore retiring them to attack Ilion, sinking both her nipper and teeth into his neck opening. He and Lupin rushed over at the same clip Draco did and they all grabbed an arm to pull one lamia off the other. troy weight, still bound in lupin's magic spell, could only writhe in infliction as blood spewed from his neck opening ... she'd torn his throat out. Parvati was fighting them, trying to get back to her quarry but they held on tight… though Harry could clearly see they'd been too late.

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

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

lupin appeared dazed. I've never known of a newborn baby to work so quickly on their creator. He thought to Harry, trying to construct logic of what he'd just witnessed. I suppose he did abandon her out here… and he was a newborn himself. He took out his hankie and handed it to Luna to generate to Parvati so she could attempt 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 opportunity to take another dose and so she was once more looking like herself… which only seemed to make Ron to a greater extent overturn, as if being confronted with evidence of everything they'd told him suddenly made it all dependable to him.

'' Just calm down. '' Harry said, his psyche gyration as he attempted to have sense of the thing he'd just seen. `` Let's all think about this rationally. ``

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

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

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

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

'' You must get along back with us. '' Lupin once more insist. `` There are many who live almost completely convention animation with the vampire oath, there's no reason you can't do the Saame. ``

Anapurna shook her straits. `` I can't, and I won't let you make me. differentiate my parents, Dumbledore and everyone else I'm dead ... I may as well be anyway. ``

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

She turned to take care up at him with tears in her middle. `` Yes, I do want to see her one more time before I disappear… ''

'' I can't in good conscience let you just run off on your own. '' lupin sighed. `` There is a place I know of where you can go… a dependency that takes in new lamia and helps them conform to a normal lifetime. I will not distinguish your family you are dead, but I am willing to let them carry on to opine you are missing until you are in a better form of creative thinker to decide how you would like to proceed. ``

'' Where is this piazza ? And how do you know about it ? '' Ron asked doubtfully.

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

She nodded slowly, clearly having no better programme. `` Okay. ``

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

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

Draco was the start to spot the mathematical group of trees they needed and they quickly went to help cumulate enough Sir Henry Wood to cover Ilion's body. Once they'd accomplished the labor, Jacey stepped up and pointed her finger's breadth, emitting a stream of fire that instantly lit their sick bonfire.

Harry ? Luna ? He vaguely heard Ginny's voice voicelessness through his head. Turning to Luna he saw her nod to indicate she had heard it too. Reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder, he was nearly knocked off his human foot as their immix energy amplified Ginny's aloof call. HARRY ? LUNA ? Can you see me yet ?

Ginny ? What's wrong ? Luna answered anxiously.

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

Where's Hermione ? Harry asked.

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

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

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

okeh, 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 control stick with them. He was ill at ease about Luna going back to the village without him but he couldn't exactly have her and the others stand out here in the Grant Wood with a vampire who was barely in control of herself. Hey, Guy ? We have a slight problem. He thought out to everyone but Ron, bracing himself for Draco's chemical 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 warm enough for what he was feeling. It was a dark mixture of madness, betrayal, disgust, guilt trip and outrage. He knew as everyone prepared to leave that there was now something else he was not being told… but seeing how he was reacting, she felt Harry had made the right decision in not telling him that his sister was in the clutches of her boyfriend's father. For all they knew, Ron would turn his emotional philippic on genus Draco and blame him for what Lucius had chosen to do. And seeing how badly genus Draco himself had taken the news show, Jacey knew it would be bad if Ron tried to start anything. `` Hey, I am dreary I did not tell you I was pretending to be Tristan. '' She said softly as she approached him.

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

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

'' You said you were leaving the castle ! '' He angrily turned on her. `` That you were doing things for the coven ! And really you were taking over the life-time of the lamia 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 Tristram 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 fellow member are they not ? Tristan wanted to turn Luna and hired hand 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 help kibosh it ? ``

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

'' We wanted to celebrate you safe… I wanted to keep back you safe. This is why we did not say you ! '' She said, knowing he did not think it a secure enough reason.

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

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

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

He's already dealing with sufficiency right now. Annapurna thought back, her voice tense and broad of spitefulness. Jacey was quick to actualize the former girl did not like her at all, and it was directly as a resultant role of the familiarity she seemed to portion with Ron… A jealous vampire… She did not fuck what to conceive, though she was struck by the ridiculous musical theme that Parvati had laid claim to him first. And seeing how he instantly softened his posture, it was clear the guilt he felt over the young woman's lot was strong, bonding him to her in an obligatory alliance.

'' I can delay too. '' Ron offered.

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

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

Jacey felt uneasy knowing he would probably do anything Parvati asked now… that his own conflict would make it nearly impossible to deny her. And she could understand- driven by a desire to delight rather than by guilt, she would do anything for Harry or Luna… and she would do anything for Ron as well. But what she could not and would not do, was give up herself to be bested by a lamia. As soon as she was done being Tristram she intended to make affair right with Ron and impatient to bring in that happen, she was prepared to begin ruining the Macnair reputation the instant they returned to school.

( rift )

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

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

'' fountainhead, I drank the potion, I guess it's metre to head back. '' Jacey announced as she, Ron, and Parvati returned. `` I will do my trump to lecture to the Slytherins. '' She promised.

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

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

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

Luna quickly leaned up to buss 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 change her idea. They arrived outside the screech hut, the only post she was sealed there would be no scholarly person. for certain enough the space was deserted, and even though the snow began to let up as they walked they soon saw the streets of Hogsmeade were pretty much clear of people.

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

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

They ran off, letting her accept the jumper lead as she followed the little girl's dim stream of cognizance. Running through the tree diagram and right up to the wall, Luna frantically pushed the bushes aside to let out Hermione huddled into herself as she sat in a fix. Her teeth were chattering and her sassing were sorry, her face red and raw from the common cold. The small attack she'd made for herself was dying out and she had clearly been prepared to let it. `` Hermione ! '' Ron rushed to perpetrate her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her in an effort to tender warmth.

I couldn't decide what to do, leave or detain. Hermione looked at Luna, ineffectual to stool her mouth bod countersign as she shivered. Her eyes were so heartsick, so bewildered and unsure.

It's okay, you aren't alone anymore. Luna assured her, stepping up to throw her arms around the young woman as well. Jacey quickly broke off various branches, laying them down and lighting them in a giant blaze, her magic fervour yet again rendering the C inconsequential and therefore making her fire stronger than the one Hermione had attempted to use to stay fresh herself warm. Luna and Ron moved her closer, wanting to serve their supporter warming out.

Why is Tristan here and lighting things on fire ? Hermione asked, her eyes encompassing with fear while her voice maintained a numb indifference.

It is me, Jacey. She answered for herself.

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

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

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

Once sure her flames were properly contained, Jacey turned to them. `` I will go gather as many Slytherins as I can and try to get them to give up their hunt for you. '' She told Luna. `` Once I have I will let you cognize that it is secure to do 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 chattering teeth. Jacey took off in a hurry with Thomas More than her concern driving her. It was clear that she didn't want to be around Ron while he was displeased with her.

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

( falling out )

The minute potter had told him what Ginny had said, Draco saw red. He had to walk away from the mathematical group to gather himself, to occur to terms with the fact that today may just be the day he had to kill his father… And it would sure as Scheol come to that before he'd let Ginny get hurt. Taking respective deeply hint, he urged the others to plan faster, wanting nothing to a greater extent than to find Lucius and let him love what a mistake it was to put anyone, especially Ginny, in the middle of their familial feud.

He felt lupine come up behind him and turned to look him. `` Just remember to try and maintain yourself in control. '' lupine said gently as he reached out to reassuringly clinch Draco's shoulder. `` And call back, Harry and I are going to be with you… zip is going to happen to Ginny and we won't let you or Lucius do anything either of you will regret. ``

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

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

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

'' Neither are you and Harry. '' He reminded him. `` There's a lot about you that your father 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 rise to yourself that you're Sir Thomas More than he ever thought you could be. Don't let him goad you just because he doesn't think you're dangerous to him. ``

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

'' And we will wee-wee that happen, 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 Annapurna cautiously approached them. `` I'm middling sure I've caught Ginny's consciousness… if you're ready. ``

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

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

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

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

Draco sniffed the air and instantly picked up the syncope scent of the coconut lotion Ginny used. He raced ahead of the other two, grimly eagre to once more facial expression his Father of the Church. Seeing them ahead in the distance he slowed and waited for Lupin. Leaving Potter to cover them, the two loup-garou removed their amulets and placed them carefully in their air pocket where they wouldn't make contact with their skin. Draco could still feel the effects of it and longed to befuddle the affair far away from him… but he knew better. Without the Wolfsbane, the amulet were the only thing keeping them sane in these stopping point two twenty-four hours before the moon and he needed that in order to ensure he maintain his wittiness and didn't accidentally hurt the wrong person.

Without a Bible to each other, they allowed the wolf to waken within them, heightening their senses and setting out to do what they were meant to- hunt. Breaking off from each other they noiselessly moved over the C. P. Snow in opposite centering before running analogue, looking to circle their fair game and leave no evasion. Ginny, we're here. Draco heard Potter silently call out to assure her as Lucius continued to cart her unwillingly along behind him.

As soon as he was assured they were all properly situated, Draco gave the signal and he and Lupin leapt from behind their trees with their wands out, trapping Lucius from either side of meat and the front man. He leapt back in surprise, clutching Ginny closer to him and spinning around to come up Potter behind him brandishing his sceptre with several gravid outgrowth circling in the air around him. Backing up against a tree as they all three closed rank, Lucius swung Ginny into his body and crushed his arm against her throat to keep her from escaping while using her as a sorting of man shield. He waved his baton at all of them threateningly though his eyes were locked on Dragon. `` I've been looking for you, son. '' He said as a dangerous smile bedcover across his face.

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

( interruption )

Crabbe and Goyle were the first two Jacey found, which made sense seeing as how they were forced to stray the streets in order to not be seen and thus reported for breaking their sign arrest. As Tristram, she ordered them to pile up as many of the others as they could and have them suffer her in the screaming shanty. Quickly going from building to building, she found the rest of the Slytherins and gave them all her orders before heading up to the deserted house herself.

When she entered the dusty parlour, she saw that most everyone was already there. A few straggler came in after her and she was for sure to stare 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 cause to hold it worse by repeating myself. '' She looked around to insure all tending was on her. `` Ilium and I ran into some problems while out looking for Parvati Patil. Suffice to say, neither of them will be joining us and it is best that you all forget they even existed. '' A low murmur vowel of confused interpreter rang out and she knew she'd have to commit them more. `` All you need to cognize about the berth is that they became rambunctious and I was forced to lot 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 lamia had been and her threats were enough to hold them in check… for now.

'' It's just as well. '' Jacey waved her off. `` I had arranged a coming together in order to manus her off only to memorize that my mission has changed. ``

'' The wickedness Almighty doesn't want Lovegood anymore ? '' Millicent asked doubtfully.

'' I didn't say that. '' She snapped, startling the other girl into secretiveness. `` There are a lot of things going on that none of you can even set about to grasp. I suggest you stop trying and simply listen and follow parliamentary law, fifty you wind up like troy and Parvati. '' No one dared speak and she nodded in blessing. `` That's more like it. Now, our chief object glass is no longer Luna Lovegood… instead it is being left to us to figure out who the whodunit girl is that potter and Dumbledore are hiding at the castle. It seems the wickedness Lord has taken a particular involvement in her. ``

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

( breakout )

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

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

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

'' So wait, 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 contestation, 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 bookstore. '' She stammered out as she shivered.

Ron was nearly shaking as he attempted to hold his madness. `` 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 outside t-to help f-figure it out. '' She lied smoothly, her anger helping aim her into remaining calm and credible. 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 boldness and darkening eyes 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 settlement. And after, I don't want to talk to any of you at all. '' He said, turning his cover on them to go sit alone on a corner podium a few cubic yard away. Clearly he still cared enough not to vacate them, but the aura of his anger was suffocating.

Luna carefully sat beside Hermione in the area Jacey had cleared away of C. P. Snow. `` Are you okay ? '' She asked the former girl who's tooth were still chattering as puffs of air passed through her low lips.

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

And ? Luna prompted.

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

Well, I could certainly see him more open of killing someone than Herbert A. Simon. Luna answered. cipher came to her saying they were wrongly and so she had no reasonableness not to go for Lee's enquiry as a plausibility. But Simon is working for them somehow… That she was certain of. hunch 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 imperativeness that there was something off about that boy.

After awhile, Jacey finally called out to silently secernate Luna that it was as rubber to enter the hamlet as it was going to get. She helped Hermione to her metrical foot and left it to her to tell Ron that it was time to go. Despite his continued frenzy, he silently stomped over to assist Hermione walk. Together they guided her between them, eagre to finally get her out of the cold. Glancing behind her past the wall, Luna hoped Harry was alright out in the woods though she was Thomas More than positive that she would know instantly if he weren't.

( prison-breaking )

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

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

But Lucius was no idiot, he'd been surviving for a prospicient metre and knew that she was the only thing keeping Draco, Harry and lupin at bay. He wouldn't let go of what was currently keeping him safe and the others at his whim. `` Yes you are, wandering in the woods like an animal. '' He sneered at his son. `` I'd have thought Potter would have put you out of your wretchedness by now… Apparently he's no different that his jerky Fatherhood and your mother's moronic cousin, keeping around a gaga beast because they're too spineless to do the right-hand thing. ``

Ginny couldn't help the tiny shriek that escaped her as Lucius dragged her along to the incline to sidestep away from the thick branch Harry had sent flying at him as he insulted James, Canicula and Lupin. Looking up, she saw several to a greater extent 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 people he loved. `` Careful ! '' Draco shouted, upset that Ginny could hold been hit as well.

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

'' It is my understanding that you allowed Harland Myers to reside secretly in your firm for a decade. '' lupin said stiffly, stepping slightly between the boys and Lucius to keep anything else from happening. He appeared equanimity, only his eyes indicated the abhorrence he had for the former man. `` Where was your back then ? Why would you sustain let soul so dangerous to you and your phratry pass through your life ? ``

'' Make no misunderstanding, if I had a choice in the matter, Myers would ingest never come near my house. '' Lucius answered bitterly. `` As it is, he proved utile all these years later… except none of you did what you were supposed to ! I should own figured they'd let Draco live, after all, they kept you around all these year. Quite outlived all your ally, haven't you ? '' He taunted. Lupin remained silent but Ginny could see the craze written in every line of his human face. Dragon and Harry were holding their breathing space as they stood alert, waiting… they were all waiting for their chance. Lucius went on, his own anger slowly leaving his mastery. `` Of row there always to a greater extent to still take away- your friend's son and his ally, your blushing bride… your new make-shift son. You think I don't know that you signed your name to newspaper claiming guardianship of Draco ? ``

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

'' I care ! '' Lucius shouted violently, squeezing down his cargo deck on Ginny without realizing it. She reached up to get out at his arm and generate her full flow of oxygen, but his grip was tight and all she could do was struggle to uphold breathing as the others closed social status further. `` stop back ! '' Lucius warned them as he turned his wand on her. `` Two row and her life is over before any of you can finish me. '' He turned his care back on Draco. `` Whatever happens, you are a part of me, my flesh and off-white, my genes. And now not only have you willingly allowed another family to be responsible for you, you've completed your betrayal by telling the Minister where to bump me ! I may deliver tried to obliterate you genus Draco, but I expected more of you. You should have come and found me yourself if you wanted retaliation, but I see spending so practically metre with these people has made you weak. ``

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

( BREAK )

Ron sat paired Luna and Hermione in battlefront of the firing in the ternion broom handle. Despite the revel and forte voices all around them, they three remained dumb each lost in their own thoughts. Again he wished he could get been the one to show mind, that he could rip open those girls heads and memorise all the enigma they were still keeping from him. He felt torn in a million different objet d'art and didn't know what to feel first, which resulted in a continuous shift of anger, sadness, guilt, indebtedness, jealousy, betrayal, and confusion.

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

risky than his choler and muddiness over Jacey, it felt there would never come a time when he'd find heartsease over Parvati's fate… how was he supposed to live on his sprightliness knowing he'd allowed hers to be destroyed. She'd seemed so hopeless out there in the woodwind, so resigned to an eternal living of loneliness. How could he forgive himself or Jacey for any of it ? Tristan and troy, the two really responsible were dead and the only ace left to blame were the living who had allowed it to happen. Ron dropped his forefront in his hands, unsure of everything except that he was tired of thinking.

'' Hey, have you guys seen James Byron 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 front for them. '' Ron offered, needing a moment away from the girls. After all, one had left his sis and let who knows what happen to her and the other was Luna, who he just couldn't make chief or tails of anymore… he was torn, wondering if perhaps he was actually starting to detest her. After all she was the well-to-do to blame for everything going wrong, from her visions or deficiency of them to her untouched power to keep a confidential to her swooping in on Harry and shaking up their whole chemical group. It didn't affair if Hermione claimed that without Luna she and Harry would have still broken up because he knew it wouldn't have happened. Fred nor anyone else could take in turned her head if she wasn't certain Harry no longer wanted her and Ron didn't manage how much they protested to the wayward. And now because Hermione was busybodied chasing Fred's approving, she'd left Ginny to an changeable fate… He turned to count at both girls, trying to cover 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 clock time to go back to schooling. '' Hermione muttered, sinking further into her rear end to get her feet closer to the fire. She was examining her fingerbreadth, which were the Saame undimmed pink as her cheeks, horn in and brow. Ron found he was relieved to not to see any obvious preindication of frostbite… hopefully she'd warm up and at worst, make out 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 word to either of them. He walked past Jacey who was sitting as Tristan at a mesa by the doorway with pansy and Millicent. It was exonerate she'd come there to help proceed an eye on him, Luna and Hermione should anything go wrong. He ignored her completely as he went out, finding it didn't much bother him that he had to act to dislike her ... after all, there wasn't much pretending at the minute. Lost in his own head, he followed Seamus down the road to the candy store.

The snow had stopped and Ron looked around, hoping to catch batch of his sister as the great unwashed once more began filling the streets. But of row she wasn't here safe in the village. She was out there in the woods in some kind of untold danger and his champion had decided he didn't need to know about it. He took a few oceanic abyss breathing space to try and cool off 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 acquire care of Ginny… and press come to shove, he trusted genus Draco to as well. With lupin completing the ternary, he knew his sister's welfare 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 unvoluntary shiver as he recalled the stopping point time he'd been in this store. They'd avoided it the lastly few sentence they'd come to Hogsmeade for a reasonableness after all, none of them wanted to remember what had happened there last year or anything else about that battle. Ron straightened himself up and prepared what he was going to say to convince Padma to leave behind the castle with him tonight without right hand out telling her about Parvati…

( severance )

Harry held his breath as genus Draco continued to cod his father but again Lucius refused to rent the decoy. All any of them needed was one chance, one mo where Ginny could break unfreeze but it was apparent he wasn't going to give it to them. For all his hard talk, it was gain Lucius was the one who was most scare as none of them were hiding behind anyone else… Dragon had even thrown his wand away, though Harry wished he had held onto the amulet. After all they wanted to capture Lucius, not shoot down him.

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

'' establish it ! '' Draco shouted. `` point concealing behind a daughter and derive try to end my spirit if that's what you want ! I'm not scared of you either ! ``

'' I suppose that's why you told them about the safe business firm ? ! '' 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 undivided place I go to after is already swarming with Aurors. Your mother would never presume, but you ! You're just spineless enough to commit soul else to houseclean up for you. So I came here to exhibit you what it's like to be a man and face your demons… I came here looking for you Draco. charge your new friends away and I'll let the Minister's daughter go with them. ``

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

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

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

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

'' That's an impossibility and there's no motivation to ponder the impossible. '' Harry said. His idea was growing tired with keeping the arm in the air and though he could feel Luna sending him her durability and energy, he knew something had to be done soon. okey, we need this to end. He thought out to his friends.

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

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

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

When I give the signal, I'll throw another branch. When he ducks, Ginny, I want you to sound off, seize with teeth whatever you have to do to get him to relax his grip if not let go completely. Harry told her.

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

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

Wait ! I want to be certainly we cover all the slant so no one gets hurt by chance event. Harry insisted, trying to remain calm himself. lupine, as soon as he moves, disarm him. And Draco… just don't kill him, okay ?

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

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

'' The Saame doubt could be posed to you. '' Lucius replied to Draco's utter Book. `` Whether I end you today or someone else comes for you tomorrow, you will not be around long. There are too many looking to destroy you my son. You've made far too many of the damage kind of enemy. Clearly you were full off when it was only Potter's hollow menace you had to take with. ``

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

Now ! Harry shouted in his mind, whipping the biggest tree outgrowth directly at Lucius so he could see it coming. Like before the man tried to parry out of the way, dragging Ginny with him. But this time she was ready for it. As soon as lupine shouted `` Expelliarmus ! '' she bit down on Lucius's arm. Moving with the grace of a dancer, she swung her elbow back at the like prison term she kicked her leg, catching him in both the gut and patella and sending the man sprawling. Luckily she managed to swan out from under him and before he'd fully touched the ground, Dragon was on him and wrapping his script tightly around his father's throat.

'' No ! '' Harry raced forward with Lupin, both desperately pulling at genus Draco's iron handle. nil they were saying could make him, he was in his own macrocosm now. Glancing behind him, Harry saw Ginny furiously digging in the snow and knew she was trying to witness the talisman they'd all foolishly let genus Draco throw 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 yards away. Then he quickly turned to bind Lucius in office. Lupin rushed over to Draco, pulling off his amulet and kneeling to range it over the boy's head before leaning down to quietly blab out to him. Harry reached out to hold on Ginny from going over. `` I don't aid 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 champion attempt to convey Dragon back from the edge.

'' They should have drank the wolf's bane before coming out here. '' She shook her head angrily. `` Francis Drake should own had it quick. ``

'' Draco 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 interested in hurting me, it was clearly Draco he wanted. I just let him think he was out here alone. '' She said with a small smile.

Something poked at Harry's intuition and he turned to see Lucius had rolled himself several animal foot to snap up hold of Draco's discarded scepter and release himself of the dressing placed on him. `` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Harry shouted but Lucius shielded just in time, whipping his own spell back at Harry. He shielded, protecting both him and Ginny as she pulled her verge out and bourgeon a smasher. Again Lucius shielded before pointing the verge at the tree diagram next to them. Harry grabbed Ginny's deal and pulled her out of the way, shoving her to the ground and throwing himself over her before casting a buckler as a cascade of wood and snowfall rained down from the explosion.

Lupin rushed forward with his own wand out sending trance so fast Lucius could only shield himself. Draco came up and took his father's wand from lupine, joining in the cast as Harry and Ginny unburied themselves from the heavy rubble. Harry caught the spark of light from the turning point of his eye and turned to see Lucius pull out and bewilder two small obelisk with great speed and accuracy from behind his shield.

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

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

'' attend out ! '' Harry shouted a word of advice to Lupin who was crouched over genus Draco trying to establish sure he was okay. Hearing him, they both looked up to see Lucius pointing his verge at them.

'' I will not grant you to take in my son. He is mine to let hold out or die. '' Lucius sneered down at Lupin before waving his wand. `` Avada- ''

'' NO ! '' Draco roared, shoving Lupin away and ripping the sticker from his own leg while ripping the talisman from his neck and hurling it far away. Fuelled by wild human rage and calculating animal instinct, he leapt to his metrical foot and lunged at his father, driving the blade oceanic abyss into the man's belly.

Everything and everyone stopped moving including the bewitched trees. Harry saw Lucius's eyes turn wide with blow and something almost like pride. genus Draco still had his hand on the hold of the dagger as he glared his Padre down. `` surmise I'm capable after all. '' He said quietly.

Harry felt Ginny drop to the ground and once more feel for the amulet and he let her, figuring it was best both werewolf had them back. Besides, it kept her meddling. He certainly wasn't going to try going near genus Draco at the instant and he wasn't going to let her either. lupine picked himself up off the priming and being the just one in the position to reach out to Draco he did. `` Come on. '' He said gently. `` Now we can take him to Albus. ``

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

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

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

'' Why not let them get Lucius and Dragon ? '' Harry asked. `` They'll be able to take Lucius into hands and we'll be done with it. ``

lupine shook his drumhead. `` No, they'll take Draco too. He has no control right now, there's no telling what he'll do if someone unfamiliar to him tried to fall between them. They won't look at him like we do, all they'll see is a humanoid out of control… trust me, I've been arrested several clip for a lot less in my younger years. ``

'' Dumbledore wouldn't let that find. '' Ginny said, more to ensure herself than them.

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

'' Exactly. And if they find genus Draco out of control so close to both Hogsmeade and the shoal, they'll find fault me and lift mine and Tonks guardianship… I won't be able to assist him and he'll be lost in the endless red magnetic 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 creative thinker and caught a faint tincture of Draco.

Lupin sniffed the air and pointed south toward the village and the sight. `` That way. I can faintly sense Lucius's rip. ``

( BREAK )

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

After Ron had left with Seamus, Luna had taken it upon herself to silently assure Hermione everything that had been happening. After all, if Ron now knew there was no reason she couldn't… especially if they were planning to fix Tristram disappear as soon as possible. She could tell the other daughter wasn't mad, that she knew she was guilty of keeping enigma just as large involving the whole thing with Fred and Elanya. But she was hurt that they hadn't trusted her and there was nil Luna could do to make that better.

That's it. So now Jacey just has to train the blame as Tristram for Ilion's disappearance and hopefully we can end this… until or unless somebody connects it to us. She answered, absently staring at the students around them, jealous of their simpler lives.

poor people Parvati… no wonder Ron tactile property so frightening. Hermione took another sip of her hot chocolate.

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

'' Finally starting to feel strong and I can jiggle all my finger's breadth and toes so I think I'm O.K.. '' She answered, staring off into the fire. `` I don't know what happened to me… it was like I couldn't make a conclusion so I just chose to do nada at all. ``

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

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

'' I have no reasonableness to think otherwise- '' She cut herself off as the holloa started in her ears.

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

Her sightedness blurred, whatever it was, it was coming fast no matter how grueling she tried to obligate it off. I can't do this out here in front of everyone. She thought out desperately. Hermione took her arm and guided her through the building and down a tenacious hall to the back lav, settling her Down on the small waiting put before locking the door.

Luna let herself go, giving into the vision… her first base since she'd fried out her mind. She was excited in a way, as this had to imply she hadn't broken herself. It was the Elwyn Brooks White way, a sharper, vivid version than ever before. Harry was beside her and instantly Sarah, Elise and Elanya were there, reaching out their coat of arms and beckoning them to come over. She felt a pulling, a desire to go and see what they had to proffer. Simon the Canaanite suddenly walked by, much tightlipped than the others and grinning at her menacingly as he too reached out a hand to her and her alone. Harry disappeared from her face and she recoiled, once more aware of herself and the fact that she wanted nothing they had to offer. But that present moment of precariousness, she knew that was a cue as much as anything she was being shown… This integral admonition was clearly for her alone and she had to pay ending aid to everything.

Coming out of it, she felt vertiginous and extremely thirsty. `` clutches on, just delay here and get your mien. '' Hermione said, looking at her in business. `` I'll go get you some succus or something equally afters, I think your ancestry sugar might have dropped… you're awfully blanch. ``

Luna lay back down and gratefully let her go, trying to breathe through the uncomfortableness 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 motivation to be back in the independent room with stacks of people. Opening the doorway she peeked her principal out and instantly felt someone else nearby. She rushed to close the door, but someone collided against it and began trying to press their way in. `` Come on Luna ! I just want to talk to you ! ``

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

He managed to get his substructure in the door, ensuring she wouldn't be able-bodied to lock him out. `` Just a unproblematic conversation, that's it, I promise. ``

Not knowing what else to do, Luna closed her eyes and apparated herself away to the 1st post she thought of- the grove. It was clear right away that she'd made the haywire pick as her coating was still sitting on the couch by the courteous warmly fire at the ternary Broomsticks… but she'd wanted to get as far from Neil Simon as possible and this was where she'd wound up. Shivering, she wrapped her branch around herself and began to quickly make her way back to the inn. No one was supposed to be able-bodied to apparate around the Greenwich Village and luckily she'd figured out that the traces 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 salutary to obscure your speciality as well as your impuissance. Quickly linking minds with Hermione, she told the female child what had happened so that she wouldn't be caught unawares by Simon. Jacey, keep an eye on Hermione. I had to douse 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 bookstall when two people jumped out in front end of her. She leapt back, startled to incur Crabbe and Goyle, both looking half stock-still as they'd clearly spent all of their metre 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 drag their attention as she reached in her book binding pouch for her wand… but it wasn't there. Either she'd left it with her coat or she'd dropped it in the bathroom while struggling to retain Simon out.

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

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

Letting them figure out whether or not they were supposed to apprehend her, she slowly backed away before turning and full phase of the moon out running back toward the orchard. `` Hey ! Get her ! '' She heard one of them shout, not stopping to depend back and see which one or whether they were gaining on her. scare set in and with the cramp in her side, her frozen limbs and her racing heart and soul, she knew she wouldn't be able to outrun them no matter how lightly her slight stature let her fly across the nose candy. 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 heart and thought herself on the early side of it. Within moments she was back outside the village and running through the wood 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 wrongfulness way. Her feet toppled out from under her as she tried to stop them and she slid forward down Hill through the trees. She raised her arms to protect her brass, wildly trying to grab onto a outgrowth to slow her procession. They all broke in her hands and she let out a brassy scream as she felt the ground nightfall out from beneath her as she slid right over a enceinte drop-off. Turning she made a do-or-die snatch and caught the end of a notched tree root sticking out from the face of the cliff. Staring down, she felt her breadbasket leapt into her throat as she perceived the background a few hundred pes below her. She screamed again, outloud and in her head, hoping Harry or anyone else was near.

Taking a few deep, rickety breaths, she tried to calm herself and apparate away but the panic wouldn't let her focusing. Looking up, she saw the top of the cliff only about six feet above her with a few other pocket-sized roots poking through the glacial poop. Fixing her traction, she swung her legs up, trying to catch up with onto the branch she currently dangled from. After four attempt she managed it, scratching herself horribly as she righted herself. Not daring to stop now, she carefully stood and flexed her numb digit before reaching up for the next limb, ensuring she also found a inflexible bridgehead to help run up herself up. It seemed to take forever but at last she was eye-level with the ground and was surprised to see two large kick standing before her. Looking up, she felt the in conclusion of her long suit leave her as she took in Lucius Malfoy's poisonous smiling, his brass marred with jagged scratches.

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

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

'' Why not ? I already killed your blood brother, and in a very similar manner might I add. '' He laughed cruelly before lifting his ft and bringing it down on her wintry finger's breadth. She screamed feeling her already thin grip loosen even more.

( falling out )

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

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

'' If you think you can. '' Lucius challenged, reaching in his pouch 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 climb up back.

Ducking low and ignoring the pain in his leg, he tackled Lucius at the knees, bringing them both down into the snow. He shouted in agony as he felt the dagger thrust his berm blade, his sire had stabbed him as they fell. Slashing out, his fingernails violently ripped across Lucius's face, tearing his anatomy. Stumbling to his foot, genus Draco reached behind him and pulled out the dagger. The human in him wanted to jam it down Lucius's throat… the Wolf in him had no mind what the arm was for and wanted to throw it away simply so it wouldn't be used on him again. He tossed it aside… there were no amulets here, no potions to control him. The world grew dimmer and he let it, already feeling the flow of line from his wounds slow as he began healing himself.

He could smell the reverence from the man as he climbed to his infantry, vaguely he had a horse 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 enemy. A low warning growl escaped him as the man faced him down. `` That's it genus Draco, act like the animal you now are. '' He smiled.

The dustup meant nix. He could barely rede their meaning any prospicient, all he knew was that he had to end this threat to his pack. There was blood in the air, and it wasn't all his own. Baring his teeth, he crouched low and enjoyed the wide look of panic in the man's middle. Draco was about to strike when a sudden scream tore through the air.

He perked up instantly, recognizing the voice as one belonging to him, individual he cared for. It was a firmly fight, but Draco managed to bring a small-scale piece of himself back and was almost startled to see his beginner before him. A bit ago, he'd been unrecognisable as anything other than prey. `` Well, let's go see what that's about, shall we ? '' Lucius said, becoming more convinced as he realized his son was distracted.

He rushed forward but he was too late. Lucius had apparated away. Another scream tore through the silence, forcing genus Draco to run. He ran faster than he ever had before, hoping whichever of the girl were in trouble he got there in fourth dimension to aid. As he went he forced his nous to get control over itself but that was impossible. Without the talisman, it was just too close down to the full lunar month to turn off the wolf completely. So putting it to his vantage, he used his senses to guide him, at endure catching Luna's scent. Carefully making his way down the extortionate side she'd clearly slue down, he arrived in fourth dimension to see Lucius hovering over her as she struggled to hang on to the slope of the cliff. `` Don't. '' genus Draco heard her plead.

'' Why not ? I already killed your brother, and in a very similar fashion might I add. '' Lucius laughed, throwing his previous evil against her menage in her face as he lifted his foot 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 meat of the drop and caught Luna just as she lost her handle completely. Her hand was icy cold, her fingers too unwavering to properly moderate onto him. Feeling himself begin to slew over as well, he quickly kicked out and hooked his foot on one of the tree diagram before reaching down to firmly snaffle her wrist.

'' Well, well. What a compromising situation. '' Lucius sneered as he walked over to leer down at them. `` Looks like now I get two for the cost of one. avenge on Xeno and the final end of my treacherous son. '' He laughed and cruelly lashed out, kicking Draco in the side and knocking the breath out of him. Luna screamed again as his grip on her slipped and he struggled to observe his handle. `` As a lot as I would roll in the hay to get this out, unfortunately I don't have all day. Your new guardian was right, I can let the Aurors trace me… especially not before I pay a visit to the Tonks and Lupin home and personally give them my thanks for their participation in turning my son so thoroughly against me. ``

Draco looked down into Luna's terrified case. He tried to apparate them away from this, but he couldn't find that part of his humanity that knew how. The Friedrich August Wolf was too awake and at the like sentence he had too a great deal of himself in him to do anything useful. His instinct was to unloose up one deal and whiplash out at Lucius to hopefully bump him over, but he also knew he couldn't hold onto Luna with one hand… he couldn't justify her death for his don'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 underworld was going to bring Lucius down with them.

( faulting )

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

So many things didn't finger correctly to him at the moment, he was inexplicably panicked, scared and very inhuman. `` I think I sense them over this way. '' He answered distractedly, letting lupin postulate over the search now that they were closer. Before they'd left in search of genus Draco, they'd been sure as shooting to reclaim both amulets… he hoped they were in sentence for them to prove useful.

HARRY ! Luna's spokesperson tore through his creative thinker at the Same time her thigh-slapper echoed through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. 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 scream again and then again. He was an cretin not to have paid attention to what he'd been feeling simply because he'd thought her to be safely back in the village… he should recognize by now that none of them were safety, ever.

He let his replete guide him as her scream once more echo around him, seeming to come from all directions… and then he heard Dragon too, shouting in painfulness. Coming to a engross incline, Harry made his way down as quickly and carefully as potential. It was exonerated a few citizenry had come this way and he knew he was in the rightfield place.

Through the tree, he was able to see the boundary of the cliff before him. Lucius was standing there, staring down with a sick grin as he yet again kicked Draco in the slope as he dangled headfirst over the border. audition Luna screech again, Harry nearly had a heart attack as he realized why Draco wasn't retaliating… Luna was dangling from his hands. `` Lucius ! '' Harry called out, slipping and sliding the rest of the way down while attempting to brandish his wand.

'' Too late Potter ! '' He yelled. This fourth dimension he kicked his son's leg, loosening his hold on the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and sending him and Luna over the side. Draco whipped around to grab his male parent's ankle, pulling the man over with them.





NOTE : Wow… following chapter, the results of the Hogsmeade visit and the lookup for Fred, look for it soon !


Chapter 52 : coping With Disappointment

A/N : Read, Review and Enjoy !



Harry rushed to the edge of the cliff, nearly going over the side himself in his panic. He'd sent his mind out in an endeavor to catch Luna and Dragon as soon as he saw they were going over… the elderberry bush Malfoy was an after thought. Peering down, he sighed in rest to see that he'd caught them all, though as he felt the drainage on his energy, he was more than bequeath to let Lucius go to bring through the other two. But using everything he had left in him and tapping into a bit of Luna's energy, he was able to float them all up and back on square background, his wand instantly out and pointed at Lucius. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted with his concern over Luna and genus Draco until the threat to them all was fully neutralized. `` It's over now. '' He said with authority.

'' It's never over Potter. Let the Aurors trace me, I will last to struggle again ! '' He shouted. Draco lunged at the Same clock time Harry cast in an attack to hold open the man there, but they were both too belatedly. Lucius had apparated away.

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

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

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

Luna simply nodded though she was huddled into herself, with no coat and her aspect, arms and hands covered with modest scratches. Unzipping his coat, Harry helped her to her feet and pulled her into his torso, wrapping the jacket around her small-scale, shivering form. He could feel the iciness of her skin through his wearing apparel and hoped his own body heat and coat would help thaw her out. He held her tightly, trying to build himself really conceive she was alert so that his heart would stop racing so painfully. `` What the hell happened ? What are you doing out here ? '' He asked quietly as Lupin and Ginny crashed their way through the trees and downhill to them. She shook her straits and merely pulled herself closer against him.

Ginny ran up to Draco, kneeling and throwing her subdivision around him as her relief at finding him awake overwhelmed her. He held her back, his center at last softening as he reached to take up the amulet lupin quickly held out to him. Pulling away to slip it over his neck gave Ginny the chance to take strain of him and finding her paw fucking she immediately inspected his shoulder. `` He stabbed you again ? '' She asked, her interpreter heavy with concern.

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

'' Where's Lucius ? '' lupine demanded as he looked them all over for life-threatening injury.

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

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

They all turned to Luna, worry to screw what Harry had been desperate to witness out since he'd first heard her belly laugh. `` I had a vision. '' She said quietly before letting it all come out in a jumble of words, her succour pushing her into full disclosure. `` Hermione, she brought me somewhere so no one else would see and when I came out of it I wasn't feeling well so she went to get me something… Almost as soon as she left I got a bad feeling and so I made myself get up and pop out 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 lock him out. But he kept forcing his way in and I knew I wasn't going to be strong enough to arrest the door so I just apparated away and bruise up in the orchard… probably because it was the last office 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 paries 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 incorrectly way but I tripped and fell down the hill anyway and wound up going all the way over and luckily was able to seize 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 pettifogger article… '' Here she broke down, letting bust slide freely down her face. `` …he admitted it… He admitted he killed Kane. '' She buried her header in Harry's berm and allowed herself to cry. He held her tightly, not knowing what to say or do to hit anything better.

'' He admitted it because he planned on killing her too. '' Draco angrily told Harry. `` He threw it in her case that he killed her chum and then stomped on her fingers as she hung there. Then I'm trying to draw her book binding up and all he can do is kick back me until I can't hold on anymore… You should have let him settle. '' He added in an almost accusatory personal manner. Knowing genus Draco had been the one to ensure Lucius went over with them, Harry excused his feeling, ineffective to opine what the other boy was feeling and unwilling to overrun his principal to find out. Besides, after hearing what he and Luna had to say, Harry also believed he should suffer let Lucius plummet to his death.

'' That wouldn't have solved anything and as very much as you might like to think it would, it wouldn't make any of you feel any punter. '' Lupin said seriously.

'' We won't know until it happens. '' Draco shot back. `` I'm uncoerced to take the chance to see and I bet it would make me feel a lot better to have intercourse that I nor anyone else ever has to deal 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 seminal fluid and try to blame all the folie in the forest on us. ``

( BREAK )

It was a miserably silent ride back to the castle and an insufferable meter spent in the schoolmaster's position. lupine had insisted they go to inform Dumbledore of Lucius's show in the settlement today if aught else and so rather than closing himself into his way as he wanted, Draco put up with a million questions while drake poked and prodded at his shoulder and leg. As soon as was possible, he escaped and hurried off back to the dormitory. He didn't want to be around anyone at the moment, he wanted to feel what he felt and not ingest to create self-justification or explanation for it.

Locking the door to his room, he stripped off the now undone clothes he'd been wearing and threw them in the corner before putting on the firstly things in his draftsman. Collapsing back on his bed, he thought about his life, his decision, his newly found family and his forefather. Lucius was the connecting component ruining everything else and genus Draco wished more than anything that thrower had just let him flow. He'd come so close to getting rid of his don by pulling him over the edge with him and Luna… It wasn't fair that ceramicist's sensation of decency got in the way, after all, it would have been the perfect time to drink down the man as no one would have had to find hangdog after everything his Fatherhood had done that day. As grateful as he was to bear his own life and Luna's saved, he couldn't assistant but pick ceramist for whatever Lucius was going to do next.

'' Dragon ! '' He heard Ginny phone call softly through the threshold. He sighed and thought about pretending he wasn't there. Even her companionship was more than he could cover 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 ready to look her and the knowledge that he was the reason she'd been in danger 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 room access and walked back to decline 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 bestow up.

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

'' fountainhead thank pigeon hawk because seeing your blood on my hands… '' She shuddered as she held her hired hand in front of her and stared at them in remembrance.

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

'' Are you okay ? '' Ginny asked in headache, no longer able-bodied to book herself back. `` I mean I know that's the stunned question in the globe 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 deeply breath and got a storage area of himself and his miserableness, remembering who was with him and how grateful he was that she was able to be there. `` I'm just glad you're okay. '' He turned to her and softened his flavour. `` Nothing else issue right now and I really don't want to talk about it… drake did exculpate you, didn't he ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

Before Draco could move, Ginny leapt of the bed and strode over to serve 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 beginner ? ! Are you okay ? ``

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

'' And I'm for certain I was a lot well off before you wiped my memory ! '' He shouted accusatorily. `` That's right field, they had to recount me everything out in the woods today. I know you helped them save the plan about Tristan a orphic ! ``

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

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

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

'' Because null I've done is stupidly dangerous, unlike the things you still retain to do. '' Ron returned.

'' looking, it's been a farsighted and difficult day for all of us, you aren't alone in feeling injury and angry. You want me to say I'm sorry for wiping away your retentiveness, well I won't. It was what needed to materialize at that moment. Let's face it, you weren't handling the news well to get with and this is a very soft plot they've got going here. You running around yelling at us about it at the top of your lungs isn't very helpful ! '' Ginny tried to shove him back out towards the door but Ron remained immobile. Dragon shifted uncomfortably, suddenly overcome with gladness that he was an simply child. This sibling squabbling was something he never wanted to have to have let alone be witness to. He wished Ron would just allow for already.

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

'' I expect you to take your head out of your ass every once in awhile to see what's going on with early people ! '' She shouted. `` I had to hear that the human beings doesn't revolve around me, it's time you do the same big brother ! Didn't you hear the chronicle up there in the place ? Lucius tried using the killing curse on lupine while genus Draco and Luna nearly died ! ``

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

'' Get out. '' Ginny demanded darkly.

'' Excuse me ? ``

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

'' Maybe I'm just thinking clearly for the for the first time fourth dimension. '' He said in a low representative, puffing himself up and using his superlative to predominate over her. `` Harry, Hermione and I all became friends because we had no one else. That's not really true anymore is it, so maybe now I'm just starting to see everyone clearly for the first of all 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 bill and Charlie ? If you want to hate everybody right now then ticket, do whatever you have to do. Just go away ! '' She once more reached out to shove him at the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taking a abstruse intimation to steady himself he turned to see how Ginny was dealing with this tardy development of inherited lunacy. `` I'm sorry. '' She said quietly as furious weeping brimmed her eyes.

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

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

'' Okay then. '' He agreed fully. `` Let's just go to sleep and ignite up tomorrow pretending nada ever happened. ``

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

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

She smiled and leaned up to snog his cheek, his chin, his back talk. `` Just being capable to lay next to you is all the solace I need. '' Taking his handwriting she led him back to the bed, pulling back the sheets to climb in and gesturing for him to join her. He quickly got in, wrapping the blankets around them as they lay face to face.

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

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

He caressed her buttock before leaning in to gently charm her back talk. Running his deal down her shoulder, he felt her wince though he had a horse sense she was trying to hide it. He pulled back and looked at her in concern. `` What's wrong ? ``

She shook her head and smiled uncomfortably. `` Nothing. '' She assured him, reaching out to wrap her arms around him and pressing herself against him as a misdirection. Draco caught her arm and sat up. She tried to pull away but he maintained a pacify but strong delay as he carefully rolled up her arm, ignoring her protests. Several dark finger-shaped bruises lined her arm from her articulatio cubiti up to her shoulder. `` Drake already put something on that, he said it'll all be gone by tomorrow. '' She said, trying to vocalize fooling but betraying her jumpiness. It was obvious she hadn't wanted him to acknowledge that not only had his father nearly killed him and Luna, he'd left evidence of his rigorousness with her. But there they were, the marks that showed him that Lucius had been none to lenify while pulling Ginny along as his destine hostage. `` It's certainly not as bad as being stabbed. '' She added, as he remained angrily silent.

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

'' Where are you going ? '' She asked anxiously, crawling to the edge of the bed and kneeling as she looked at him, her eye broad and wide-cut of concern. `` 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 arms around her waist and kissed her again. `` No, I'm not mad at you at all. '' He told her in a strangle interpreter as emotion overwhelmed him. He wasn't mad at her, but how could he possibly explain that her mien was making him want to shout in Fury ? That being around her at that minute made him desire to snap everything apart ? That he couldn't handle the impression of fear and business organisation that came with loving someone as much as he loved her ? That all he wanted was to go back in time and line up a way to coerce ceramicist 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 Natalie Wood. '' He said at final, turning and walking out before she could dissent. He had no design of finding the professor as Lupin was a whole other individual he couldn't be around at the moment. After all, what could he say to the man who had acted more like a Padre to him out there than Lucius ever had in his entire life ? But he'd lied and told Ginny that to go on her from worrying. He really did involve a run through the Sir Henry Joseph Wood to clear his head… but he needed to do it alone and though he didn't intend for any trouble, Merlin help the man or fauna that chose to get in his way out there.

( open frame )

Hermione had only enough patience to have Drake and Madame Pomfrey determine her over for hypothermia before rushing back to her room. She'd told them her only ailment was a slight vexation but she had lied and she had a notion they knew it. They were therapist after all. They'd given her several herb tea supplements to contract but she ignored it all, putting them on her desk and grabbing the invisibility cloak she still had in her self-control. She felt like she was burning alive with fever, but she did her best to put that at the back of her mind as she threw the cloak around herself and hurried back out into the hall and toward the disk room. She felt there was no sentence to waste material, she'd already let herself turn overwhelmed once today by the misdirection of Fred's disappearance… she couldn't let it happen again. Thankfully Ginny was okay, but next time her misunderstanding could have disastrous consequences and that thinking was adequate to force back her forward into solving the puzzle. This sentence she disregarded the student file and went to the door leading to the staff record, knowing they detailed the lives of every professor who had ever taught in Hogwarts. She found Erebos's info in no time and tucking the file carefully under her arm she snuck back out, ensuring she locked the door behind her.

Hearing voices, Hermione flattened herself against the paries and tried not to so practically as breath as the two seventh year Hufflepuff prefects came down the hall, talking quietly to themselves as they made their last rounds of the castle for the night. As soon as she was sure they'd passed, she allowed herself to catch one's breath, gulping in air to her burn lungs while trying not to cough. Once in mastery she practically ran back to her room, slamming and locking the room access behind her. Her pharynx was sore, her head was pounding and she was sweating from how hot she felt, but she ignored it all, immediately going to her bed and opening the file.

She knew what she was looking for and flipped right over to his medical criminal record, cognisant that any time a professor left the rural area they had to be examined by a healer upon their return key to Hogwarts. And there it was, in Madame Pomfrey's barely legible doodle. Did patient leave the country ? Yes. billet the patient visited ? Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia. reasonableness for tripper out of the country ? Family funeral. Has patient displayed symptoms of any disease contracted in travelling ? No.

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

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

( time out )

Luna had been dismissed back to her way as soon as she was done giving her adaptation of events regarding Lucius. It was the second base time she'd had to tell it and Harry had to hear it and it wasn't any easier for either of them to realise yet again how close she'd cum to being another of Lucius's victims. The fact that Draco had without hesitation backed up her call that his father had admitted to murdering Kane meant a lot to her as she knew he was struggling deeply with what had occurred out in the wood that day. Dumbledore had agreed to instantly relay the info to President Arthur and assured them all that this would also go a long way in helping to clear Willem's name. After telling Drake that she was fine and that her own herbal tea remedy would straighten out up the small scratches she'd received, she returned to her room feeling an odd sentience of relief. One enigma that had been plaguing her for years was finally being set right, Kane's death would be cleared up and her family unit could find a bit of closure.

Quickly changing apparel and applying a superman of the herbal ointment, Luna was left feeling alone and anxious. For Thomas More than an minute she paced her room, trying to expend her anxious energy as she waited. She wasn't quite sure what she was waiting for until at last she heard the insistent knocking on her door. She knew it was Harry, he'd been held up in Dumbledore's position much to both their frustration. They hadn't had a second alone together since he'd saved their sprightliness and she rushed to let him in now.

As soon as she answered he reached out to catch her face, desperately pressing his lip to hers as he kicked the threshold closed behind him. Their hands quickly explored each other, checking for serious injury as they continued to osculate with uncontrolled passion. Luna felt grounded, rooted to the world in a way that made her flavor that she belonged, that she finally had someplace she could be safety in every sense of the Holy Writ. Once more cupping her face, he pulled away to really get a good face at her. `` I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner. '' Harry said breathlessly as his pollex traced the shekels 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 Dragon's script as her own remained frozen and useless. She flexed her fingers now and found they were fine, except the few that were bruised and hurting from where Lucius had stomped down on them. Sensing her discomfort, he took her hand and studied it while carefully hiding his emotions with a white font. But there was no hiding from her. `` Letting him fall down wouldn't have changed the affair he'd already done. '' She quietly responded to his dark thoughts.

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

'' Why, because you killed Tristan ? It's a ripe 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 fault, I could have ended it… And Draco thinks so to. '' He lay his oral sex down in her lap and looked up at her, imploring her to make gumption of it for him.

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

He sighed and nodded. `` You're right… I know you are. We have to find him before Arthur and Molly get even more wary than I'm sure they already are of this commercial enterprise misstep excuse Lee dreamed up. I couldn't stand to see their faces if they found out one of their surviving kid was in so much danger… ''

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

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

'' Maybe. '' She wasn't so surely. He seemed just as mad at Jacey as he was at the respite of them. But she didn't want to think about Ron or anything else. Without another word to each other, she and Harry climbed under the covert, content in the assurance of each other's safety. Tomorrow would be there soon enough and they could worry about everything left hanging in the balance then. Tonight they simply held each other, regenerating their energy as they linked themselves together through their brain, not wanting to be separated even by rest. It was a more cozy 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 top dog, hoping to not only know each early completely, but to be able-bodied to dream together as well. She smiled as she drifted off, knowing it would only be a affair of import before she saw him again.

( BREAK )

'' Okay, we're out here. Now what's this surprise you just had to show me in the heart of the night ? '' Padma asked grumpily as she and Ron stood out in the Forbidden wood a little ways past Hagrid's hut.

'' Relax. It'll be any second now. '' He replied, wondering if maybe Parvati had lost her nerve. He shifted from foot to foot, hoping she'd come along soon… though this do confluence was the only thing keeping his mind off the rather intense fight 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 arms around herself while retreating further into her toughie. `` I don't know why you brought me out here only to stand around waiting. What are we waiting for anyway ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ron walked off to let them let a bit of privacy. He was sure to maintain his wand out and both girls in his sight, but he already had his own reactions to Parvarti's predicament to look at with, he didn't want to stand there and bear watcher to Padma's. There was no way to evidence how the missy would charter the intelligence, but judging from his distant panorama it wasn't good.

Choosing to ignore them only let him dwell on his own misery. He hadn't intended to oppose with Ginny, but finding her in Draco's way just after being kidnapped by the guy's father was a bit more than than he'd been fix to handle. His concern for her had been quickly overshadowed by his anger with her. He was mad at everyone including himself… after all they wouldn't have been able to lie to him so easily if he hadn't been so leave to go along. After Jacey came to him and confessed to possibly knowing that Tristan and Troy were trying to become Parvati, he should have insisted to hump the rest- he'd known she was still holding back. Instead he'd let his indigence to finger solace outweigh his need for the truth. Perhaps he needed a disruption from everyone he knew. His smell for and about everyone were a jumbled mess, he knew he needed to take Ginny's advice and straighten himself out before he could clearly see his booster again. As it was right now… maybe his Sister 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 friend as he'd already started with his baby. He was tired of feeling scathe, and pushing away everyone was the only way he could see that would urinate it stop.

( break )

It'll be approve. Jacey heard lupine think out to her as she entered the headmaster's
office, answering an early sunup summons that had arrived for Tristan. She had been indisputable to take sufficiency of the Polyjuice potion, having been warned by Harry and Luna that the old sensation was a lot sharper than nigh desire to founder him credit for… Though, it had made her flavor better to learn that Dumbledore had been fooled by the potion before, and with person he knew way better than Tristan. Harry had insisted that if the man hadn't been able to tell the difference between a fake and actual Auror Moody three years earlier, then it should be that much well-situated to fool him now.

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

Jacey forced herself to stay on calm and focused on keeping the shields up high around her mind. She could feel Harry and Luna helping her shield, 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 out this off. Remembering the pep lecture they had given her, she offered an easy smile and walked confidently across the way to sit in the death chair next to the one being offered, knowing Tristan would savour in even that little bit of rebelliousness. `` You wanted to see me sir ? '' She asked with false innocence.

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

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

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

'' Then why am I here ? '' She asked, keeping hold of her casual grinning. `` I don't stoppage in the Slytherin residence hall and they haven't cited my involvement in anything. So what makes you so certainly that I can tell you anything about Troy ? ``

'' Ah, because Professor Lupin was in the settlement yesterday and it seems the stopping point person he saw Mr. 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 blame the vampire ? '' She was defensive, trying to pore the old wizard's attention on her as she reached out to assist protect Lupin's mind from invasion as well, leaving Harry and Luna to protect hers. `` I'm not so certain that one rather colored witness is enough to warrant charge to… what exactly ? What is it you think may have happened to Ilion ? After all, he's disappeared all on his own before. ``

'' I have no estimation as to Mr. Mason's portion. Which is why I brought you here hoping to assoil a few matter up. When did you in conclusion see him ? ``

'' In the village. '' She shrugged.

'' Can you be more specific ? ``

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

Dumbledore sat back and brought his men together, staring at her over his fingertips. `` Okay Mr. Macnair. Where and what meter would you say you lastly saw troy weight Mason yesterday in Hogsmeade ? ``

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

A smash on the doorway interrupted them and Healer Drake entered. She'd only met the man once as herself and she knew nothing about him former than that the others seemed to desire 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 right away, trying to hide her panic. There was no telling what the headmaster would ask if she were under the influence of that potion, and she certainly did not want to reach him the chance of letting her discovery out.

'' Really ? The Headmistress who took my post here a couple of years ago found that using various unauthorised spells and potions against pupil served her right purpose. And I do believe Dolores Umbridge was a member of your sept's rather sinewy Quaker at one point. '' Dumbledore said, obviously testing her.

'' That was then and this is now. '' She had very little idea as to the person he was referring to. She had seen blurred images of an wretched woman in Harry's mind… after the hideous custody he had served with the woman, he had lumped her in with his aunt and uncle in his memories under the informal heading mass Who Have Wronged Me… Otherwise, she knew only that Umbridge had tried and failed to take over the school. `` If you use that on me I'll report you faster than you can pack your bags. I'm not Potter, I won't suffer in silence for the greater good. ``

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

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

'' There's also the thing of Professor lupine seeing both you and Mr. Mason outside the village limits while he was investigating a rather serious disturbance with some former students and an escaped dying feeder. '' Dumbledore smiled and leaned forward on his desk. `` This places you in send violation of schooltime codification and as a student has come up missing as a termination of your activity, this has been elevated to a very serious issue of safety. As this is a clock time of war, the corrective matter in which you are tangled carries the recommendation of immediate expulsion and therefore I am allowed as headmaster to use any non-violent means necessary to pimp the selective information I require as it relates to the potential well-being of another scholarly person. It's all right there in the Hogwarts computer code of conduct under the supply for running the school while under distress. Wartime is certainly separate and defined as being under distress and so I am granted Thomas More familiarity than I would normally be will to choose reward of. But I promise you Mr. Macnair, we can find our way through and around as many legal loopholes as you and your booster have in the pursuit to keep you here. ``

The potion won't workplace. She heard Drake's unfamiliar voice drift through her head. Remus came to me this morning and with Harry's permission told me who you are girl Nicolau. I fixed up a placebo, there is no the true serum in there. All you have to do it spiel along and break him what he wants to hear so that he can legally and without question send Tristram away.

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

'' Tell whoever you like. As I've explained we are perfectly within our rights. '' Dumbledore answered simply as he watched her roughly take the vial from Drake and immerse it down. She felt something start to fall out and hoped the healer knew what he was talking about. The older wizard was looking at her carefully, watching for some sign of the potion beginning to make. Apparently he saw what he was waiting for and stood to deliver the test questions given to everyone who was subjected to truth potions. `` What is your figure ? ``

'' Tristan Beauford Macnair. '' Jacey was sure enough to answer without waver, fighting hard to not smile as she said Beauford… after all, she doubted that Tristan would have found the public figure funny.

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

'' My epithet is… '' She pretended to shinny before seeming to give into the potion. `` Tristram Macnair. ``

Dumbledore nodded happily. `` Where is Ilium George Mason ? ``

Again she pretended to scramble. `` He's out in the woods where I left him. '' She said at finis before indignantly rising to her feet. After all, Tristan would not hold in easily and as much as she wanted this to end, she knew she had to pee it look rattling. She felt Harry sigh and then ease up his loth approving as he realized she was about to continue playing her persona. Both he and Luna understood the need to hold back Dumbledore's bridge player uncontaminating of this. They had all hoped for a more definite end today ... but they all also knew that Tristram would never roll over so easily and that alone could conjure suspicion. `` And that's all I'll say as we are quickly surpassing the shoal's rights and infringing on mine. Anything else you'd like to ask about Troy can be asked through my mental representation, should you adjudicate to follow a legal matter on Troy's behalf. Otherwise it's sort out I've been as concerted as possible here, above and beyond what was required if I do say so myself. Now, is there anything else, sir ? '' She shot him a pleasant smile, as if they had been chatting like old friends this whole time.

'' I guess not. You may yield to your room and set about packing your thing. I will be presenting my evidence to the Aurors who will then be seeking orders to take you into detention. Until they procure these edict, you are confined to your dorm and the Great Hall for repast and banned from attending any classes. As read/write head of the Slytherin house, prof Drake will be keeping a close eye on you. A warning, should you feel the need to attempt retaliation for your introduce predicament. '' Dumbledore answered sternly, clearly at the end of his patience.

'' Well, I suppose I'll have to handle 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 Tristram. `` I assume I'm dismissed ? ``

'' Yes, prof Drake will see you back to your dorm. '' He gave an exhausted looking at the former man who simply nodded in reply and moved to carry out his task, ushering Jacey along with him.

'' Boy I hope you kids know what you're doing. '' Drake said quietly as they walked the halls.

'' So do we. '' She answered seriously.

( BREAK )

Harry and Luna spent a good half an hour assuring Jacey that she'd done just fine with Dumbledore, that they wouldn't have expected a great deal unlike had Tristan himself been there. After she finally seemed to loose, Harry sent out a message to all his Quaker, asking them to touch in his room so they could all discuss a few things. More than anything, he wanted to indicate to them all that they put the past few week behind them and look only toward the future… And he and Luna planned to start by telling them all of the two early coven members they'd discovered before Hogsmeade happened and tore everything apart.

Hermione was the first to serve the call as her way was the unaired and she entered looking like death warmed over. Her nozzle was red, her impertinence pinko and her centre glazed over with a rebuff fever. She had wrapped her blanket around herself for the short walk over and instantly went to lay down on Harry's bed as fatigue overwhelmed her. `` You look well. '' He teased.

'' Shut up. '' She grumbled from beneath the pot of covers. `` Does Jacey know about Fred ? ``

'' That he is missing ? '' Jacey asked from her spot on top of his trunk, still looking very much like Tristan. `` I have seen a few affair about it in your mind 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 Night before, just as he had been able to see pieces of all of her memory. Thinking of Quierrell, the imitation Helen Wills Moody and Snape, he could see how a professor could go so long without anyone knowing what they were really up to. `` Do you imagine 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 idea if he knows where Fred is, but I think maybe these miss are playing each other as well as everyone else. '' Hermione said as she propped herself up into a sitting position.

'' No, I get the good sense Elise and Sarah are very much in it together… it's Elanya and Cho who are more on the outside. '' Luna replied thoughtfully. `` Maybe she was telling Fred the trueness about some things… ''

'' Ginny and Draco are on their way here. '' Harry announced as a warning, silencing their discussion about Fred and his predicament with those girls. He got up to let them in, noticing the clash between them. genus Draco was wearing his coat. `` Going somewhere ? ``

'' He just got back. '' Ginny answered unhappily as she went to sit with Luna and Hermione on the bed.

'' I needed to go for a run. '' Dragon said simply, pulling off his coat and going to sit in the desk chair away from everyone else. An all Night run. Ginny added in her head, her articulation carrying both hurt and concern.

'' Where's Ron ? '' Harry asked. `` He's the only one we're waiting for. ``

'' I doubt he'll be joining us. '' Ginny rolled her center and told them of the fight they'd gotten into the night before, leaving out to the highest degree of the details in an endeavour to dispense with their feeling for what Ron had said and simply summing up the gist of the argument.

'' okay then, well I guess we'll just talk to him later. '' He replied, uncomfortable that his acquaintance suddenly felt the pauperism to avoid them all. `` Listen, yesterday was a horrible disaster of a day for everyone. But we need to do as we always do and keep going past it, right ? I know we all have our own things to pore on… but we'll be leaving schooltime in a few calendar week and we need to seriously start looking at searching for the coven as a realism. Luna and I went through some more of the documents and found two more than name calling, Adam Azibo and Ajala Kapoor. ``

'' So adding in you, Luna, Jacey, Gabby, Zachary Hill, Hasani Jumoke, Jie Chen, Nanami Aoki and Kavita Singh that makes eleven. There's only one more public figure. '' Hermione reasoned. `` Where are we going to find these two ? Who are they ? ``

'' Ajala is a 30 yr old woman who has recently moved from Republic of India to Ireland for her study, which happens to be as weapons manufacturer. Her fellowship creates all the pecker and weapons used by Aurors and with the surge of bodily process in and around England, they've doubled their crusade in the closest mill, which happened to be in Dublin. Oh and she's a Levithon. '' Luna recited from memory.

'' A what ? '' genus Draco asked.

'' A Levithon, individual with the power of self-transport. Basically it's like being able-bodied to fly. '' Luna shrugged.

'' I seem to remember from my muggle religious subject field year that there was a nonesuch who had that power only they called it a miracle… St. Teresa of Avila, if I remember correctly, during the 16th one C. '' Hermione looked at them all as they stared at her. She smiled and grabbed for a tissue to brag her nose. `` What ? I just recollect it because it made me wonder- if proof of her power was so well documented, then why were muggles so reluctant to conceive in the things we can do ? ``

'' okeh, Ajala can fly, that's pretty coolheaded. And the former guy ? '' Ginny prompted, moving them along from Hermione's brief theological story lesson.

Harry's own memory was vaguer than Luna's and so he picked up the papers to be sure he didn't leave anything out. `` The other one, Adam, he's twenty-three and originally from Egypt. His great power is postcognition and he currently lives in Sydney, Australia working as an investigative diarist. ``

Sydney ? Hermione perked up.

'' Well, I suppose it's Handy to be able-bodied to see the past when you're a reporter. '' Ginny said aloud as she rose to her substructure. `` Listen, I appreciate that you want to help us all focus on other significant affair, but after live on night, 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 thinking. '' Hermione said as soon as she was sure she was alone with Harry, Luna and Jacey. `` When exactly did Elise find Elanya and play her into the fold ? ``

'' Sometime at the beginning of summertime, before she torched Fred's shop. '' Luna answered, remembering her and Harry's misstep through Sarah's head. `` Voldemort unknowingly brought her to Sarah after the daughter were already plotting together. ``

'' And according to Erebos's records, he left for Sydney the Lapplander day school let out last year… what if he met up with Elise down there because they were looking for a postcognative to perpetrate off whatever architectural plan they have going ? What if they found disco biscuit before Elanya and approached him first ? If he really is supposed to be a good guy then he would give of course turned them down, but Elanya had her own reasons to link up them, right ? '' Hermione's heart were wide-cut as she tried to fight aside her pyrexia in an attempt to make her mind tie in things together.

'' Even if that were all straight, how does it help us incur Fred ? '' Harry asked gently.

'' It doesn't, but it does extend more proof that Erebos is the spy, doesn't it ? '' She returned excitedly. `` Who knows what he and Elise could throw told Elanya, they could have pretended not to even know each other in purchase order to secure they hooked the girl. What if he even approached Elanya alone ? That would explain why she felt he was her contact and not Elise's, wouldn't it ? And in Luna's visual modality, Sarah had teased Elise about a late relationship, but not in a way that made it clear who she was talking about, right ? ``

'' I admit that it all seems to fit, but that does not think of it is unfeigned. '' Jacey said slowly. `` These miss you have been dealing with seem to be very tricky. It would be foolish to make water assumption. ``

'' You don't know Hermione like we do. '' Harry was justificative on Hermione's behalf. `` I'm willing to bet she's right about nigh of it if not everything… and there's a way to find out. ``

Luna shook her head. `` If he is the spy, don't you think he'd be expecting that ? Simon the Canaanite is getting assistance keeping his nous 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 null 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 headland. I'm trusted it's something Erebos would anticipate… if he is the spy, which I'm inclined to believe he is. '' She returned.

'' Well it is Worth trying, is it not ? '' Jacey joined Harry's side of meat of the debate. `` If we think he is aware then so what ? What can he do about it other than tell those young lady that we may be on to him ? It would be worth it if he knows where Fred has been taken and we are able-bodied to see it, yes ? ``

'' Yes ! '' Hermione instantly agreed. `` Tristram and I are the only 1 in seventh twelvemonth who attend Erebos's class. Jacey can try it tomorrow while he's instruction and even if he figures out we know, we're out of here in a few weeks… there's cypher he can do about it. ``

'' Dumbledore banned Tristan from attending social class so Jacey wouldn't be able to get close adequate. '' Luna tried a unlike argument.

'' Since when would that break off Tristan ? He has already been told he is as expert as kicked out, why would he not just do whatever he pleased ? I will go to that year 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 find out we were on to him, I would never let him ache Hermione or myself while we're trapped away in a classroom with him. '' Jacey said in reassurance as she picked up on his fearfulness and doubts.

'' Oh, I believe you, I'd just rather it not hold to add up to that. '' He sighed. `` But I guess all we can distribute with rightfield now is guess until we get something more solid to lead us. ``

'' mulct. '' Luna gave in as well. `` But we have to be very careful. ``

'' Well that goes without saying. '' He agreed, moving to the door.

'' Where are you going ? '' Hermione asked.

'' Well, I was going to let you three braniacs try to go along piecing matter together while I went to talk to Ron. '' He answered. He'd felt distracted this completely meter, 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 foundation and wrapping her blanket around her again. `` I'll go with you. ``

'' wellspring I want no part in it until he is ready to hail talk to me. '' Jacey insisted. `` I will be in Tristan's way if you need me later. '' She waved goodbye and left the room.

'' What do you imagine ? '' He asked Luna and Hermione.

Luna shrugged. `` I agree with Jacey that it's a bad idea, but I'll go with you both to see if maybe we can reach out to him anyway… he's very confused about everything right now. ``

So in reluctant agreement, they left Harry's way and walked the short way down the hall to Ron's. He answered after the tertiary knock, staring obelisk at them. `` What do you three require ? '' He asked meanly.

'' To speak to you… why didn't you come join everyone ? '' Harry asked, walking past him into the room.

'' I thought I'd made myself clear by not going… I don't want to be around any of you at the moment. '' Ron glowered, slamming the door shut after Hermione and Luna followed Harry in. `` I do have my own exempt will you know. I don't have to be at your beck and anticipate like everyone else. ``

'' Whatever you say Ron. '' He tried to remain calm, to remember that his Quaker was hurting and needed them to be there for him.

'' Yeah, it is whatsoever I say because I'm tired of it always being whatever Harry says. '' He shot back.

'' What is your trouble ? Just tell us what's untimely ? '' Hermione demanded softly.

'' You ! All of you are what's incorrectly ! '' Ron shouted, startling them all.

'' You can't rap everyone else for what's bothering you. '' She shouted back. `` At some degree you have to stop and turn over that it's not always everyone else that's the problem, sometimes it's you ! ``

'' I can feel whatever I want just like the rest of you. '' He replied. `` You're not so high and right Hermione. You're the one we had to root for out of a maw yesterday nearly frozen… and why ? Because you lost your head teacher over my comrade which, oh yeah, also allowed Lucius Malfoy to capture my sister ! In a sensory faculty, everything Lucius was capable to accomplish 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 hate Ron had been hurling at Hermione. Seeing her stung formulation and the tear of scathe in her centre, it was concentrated to keep in mind that the other boy didn't know Fred was missing. `` That was completely uncalled for and entirely untrue ! ``

'' It's all true and she knows it ! '' He said angrily as he pointed to Hermione who looked away in shame and guilt.

'' Ron, please- '' Luna started.

'' Please ? please what ? '' He interrupted as he mocked her. `` Always so gracile and fragile aren't you Luna… always the aeonian victim… ''

'' What's that supposed to stand for ? '' 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 time you start considering your own alternative before lecturing everyone else on theirs. '' He sneered down at her. Harry was itching to draw it stop but again Luna held him back, telling him it was better that Ron not reserve this all in no matter how practically it may spite their opinion. Ron went on, his back now to Harry as he fully faced Luna to continue berating her. `` You're the one who decided to get away from Simon the Canaanite by apparating to the plantation instead of somewhere safer. You're the one who chose to get away from Crabbe and Goyle by returning to the woods where, surprise, damsel in distress Luna slides over a cliff ! ``

'' That was a serial of destiny ! How is any of that her demerit ? '' Harry finally let out, ineffectual to hold on quiet any longer.

Ron whipped around to face him. `` Hey, she's the one who decided it was in her best interest to leave the inn ! She was entirely safe when I left her with Hermione. ``

'' Exactly ! You left ! Where were you to help ? '' He shot back.

'' Talking to Padma, trying to figure out how I was going to make for her to fulfil up with her now vampire twin ! '' Ron roared out. `` Luna is no longer my province to look after commend ? 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 article was the reason he was ready to hurl her off a drop. You're the one who came up with the idea and contacted her Father of the Church about it without her knowledge. You're the one who made sure as shooting Xeno had all the information and you're the one who talked her into going along with it. If I recall, Luna wasn't too happy about the article, thought it was a bad idea… fountainhead you're the one who chose not to listen to her ! So putting it all together, it was your decisiveness that nearly got her killed yesterday ! ``

Harry reacted without thinking, simply wanting to lash out and hurt the way he was now hurting. He hadn't even realized he'd swung his clenched fist until he saw Ron laying on the floor before him, glaring up as he rubbed his jaw. `` What's the matter Harry ? Does the truth hurt ? '' He taunted.

'' check it ! Everyone just barricade ! '' Hermione shouted, her spokesperson growing hoarse as she continued to strain it.

'' You're the unity who barged in here to get to me. '' Ron said, rising to his fundament and pushing past her to look at his face in the modest mirror hanging over his dresser.

Harry shook his heading and simply walked out, going back to his own elbow room and closing the door tightly behind him, wanting to shut out the world. To her credit, Luna gave him nearly an intact hour to himself before coming to need he open up up and look her. He sighed and went to let her in, once again finding it impossible to deny her even as his shame and fury with himself made him only want to conceal from her. `` You were redress, going to utter to him was a bad idea… you were right every time you said something was a bad idea… '' He told her, going to sit at his desk.

'' Harry- ''

'' I've learned my lesson though… I'll listen when you say that from now on. '' He interrupted as he hung his promontory and stared at his hands.

She walked over and moved his weapon, settling herself in his lap as she comfortingly ran her fingers through his haircloth. `` The truth needed to come out about Lucius. '' She said gently. `` I may not have liked the way you chose, but after seeing my father survive an approach only to still be so assured that he'd done the redress thing… I long ago came to footing with the fact that it was grave. Everything we do now is severe, there's no getting around that. You can't blame yourself for what Lucius chooses to do. And without coming face to confront with him yesterday, we wouldn't have his confession about Kane. ``

'' It was too tight for comfort… I thought I was literally having a heart attack when I saw you and Draco go over the side… '' He leaned to rest his forehead on her shoulder, unable to meet her eyes.

'' Hey, I may have been scared, but I never for a arcminute 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 look at her. `` Don't you think I of all masses would sleep with ? 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 time. '' She kissed his brass and he quickly turned to capture her lips. With one graceful movement, she turned herself and was now straddling him, throwing her arms around his shoulders as she deepened the kiss. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer against him, needing to sense that the unity that only she could make for as her light filled every hollow place inside of him.

For a moment there he'd felt the populace collapse down around him as he'd taken in the accuracy of Ron's harsh password, that his own natural action months ago had put Lucius standing over Luna with the decision to let her know or die… The fact that the man would have probably gone ahead and crushed her finger's breadth anyway simply because she'd seen him there intend nothing because Lucius had been very clear in his reasons for attempting to facilitate her nightfall to her dying. But she had come and just made it better with kind words of her own… She had been able to take away the power his guilt had over him by simply asserting her belief in him and in herself.

Ron had no idea what he was talking about, Luna had never allowed anything to keep her from fighting on and she was far from playing the victim. In fact in that moment, she was his fighter, bringing him back from the torturous bond of self-doubt. He felt her smile against his lips as she picked up his sentiment and knew that she liked how he saw her in his mind. I love you. He thought to her, a dewy-eyed statement that held more than trueness and depth of emotion than anything he'd ever before give tongue to in his entire life.

No more than I love you. She assured him, breaking the candy kiss to wait him in the eyes. And then there were no more Scripture left to say, zippo left that could express what either of them was feeling. And so he reached up to consider her lips again, eagre to let their thinker and bodies say what their words and thought were unable to articulate.

( BREAK )

Ginny walked into her room, leaving the door unfastened as she was sure genus Draco had picked up on her non-to-subtle trace. sure as shooting enough he came in a few minutes after her, quietly closing the door behind him and leaning against it, waiting to see what was to come. `` Really ? You stay out all nighttime knowing that Parvati was still out there ? That Lucius could have come back ? I stayed up waiting for you, worrying myself crazy thinking of everything that could have happened only to come up you sauntering in after Harry calls us all together ! You're bad for my nerves. '' She scolded.

'' I'm sorry you were worried. '' He said, shuffling his feet. `` I didn't mean to be gone all night but once I was out there, it just felt so good… running made me not think, made me sense free I guess. ``

'' And I made you feel trapped ? '' She asked, hurt by the implication.

'' Not in the way you're thinking. '' He insisted. `` The full Moon is tomorrow night 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 take away that touch. On top of that, it was too much to be presented with the idea that my own Church Father could sustain taken you away from me so easily… that I had something to lose that would completely ruin 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 macrocosm eternal sleep on your welfare… ''

'' You think I don't know what that's like ? I'm the one who had your rakehell all over my custody yesterday. '' She reminded him. `` You think I wasn't fix to collapse at the thought that you'd been fatally injured ? I never expected to care this much about someone, let alone you. But now that we're here together, I can't imagine it any other way and I wouldn't want to. ``

He nodded and crossed his munition across his dresser as a sort of carapace. `` As long as you know that I love you and that I don't inculpation you for any of this… I just can't be here, stuck in this castle right now… ''

'' Meaning what ? ``

'' After Lupin was done with his coming together with Jacey and Dumbledore, I went to see him to request that we leave a day early like pattern. '' He seemed to brace himself as he waited for her reaction.

'' I thought the point of the talisman was that you didn't have to leave behind at all. '' She said slowly.

'' That's what lupine said… But I don't think I'll wear that tomorrow… I think I would kind of like to let the wolf run free for a bit, under the chasteness of the wolfsbane of course. ``

'' Be honest… Should I be worried about you ? '' She asked quietly.

Draco seemed to stimulate himself off a bit, uncrossing his arms and putting on a smiling that didn't quite reach his eyes. `` Yesterday was a lot to take in in… I just need some time. ``

'' I knew… yesterday even while it was all happening, I knew you were going to come up 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 estimable or worse I like who you are with me. establish the sleep of the existence whatever you want Draco, but please just stay honest with me. ``

'' I'm trying. '' He whispered sadly, pulling her against him as he hugged her close. `` I just require this sentence away… from you and myself. That's why I don't want to don the talisman tomorrow… I don't want to stay on myself right now. ``

'' And when you come back ? '' She asked, looking up at him hopefully.

'' It's not like I can walk away from you forever, you know. '' He offered a true smile this clock time. `` It seems I can't really picture any sort of life without you in it. ``

'' Good. Because I'm scared you're going to try and do something misguidedly noble like leaving to ensure Lucius won't quarry 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 literal realism are two unlike things. '' He reached out to sweep her pilus back before kissing her forehead. `` It's always going to be more grave for you to be around me… but I've long ago realized you're pretty much a target for peril with the decisions you make and the multitude you associate with. Unless you're set to correspond to exist your life-time in a eruct, I'm in it for the yearn haul 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 departure for sound wouldn't stay fresh Lucius from using you again to flush me out, and it would ferment just as well as it did yesterday because nothing as simple as distance can convert the way I feel about you. But I need these two solar day now Ginny. For my own saneness. ``

She looked at him carefully, before letting out a deep breath. `` okey. '' She agreed now that she felt she believed he would add up back. But share of her was still reluctant, still fearful that while out there he would modify his mind and decide she was dear off without him after all. `` Just call back, I'd decline apart if you didn't come back. ``

'' Tuesday morning I'll be here. '' He promised. She wanted to believe him completely. But that small nagging voice that always seemed to shout out that she wasn't meant to be felicitous hold her from fully allowing herself to trust that the decoy of the creation beyond Hogwarts was faint than the desire to recall to someplace he'd admitted he felt entirely trapped in.

( prison-breaking )

Ron waited until late Sunday night, wanting to be sure that everyone else had gone to bed in preparation for their course the adjacent day. As soon as his clock read midnight he got out of bed, still fully dressed, and made his way across the common way to the Slytherin fender. He knew Tristan's door was just yesteryear Dragon's and as he raised his handwriting to knock, he hoped Jacey answered looking like the vampire as it would earn it sluttish to say the things he'd decided he needed to say to her. To the disappointment of his judgment but not his eyes, she opened the threshold looking very much like herself. It was amazing that she could look so stunning in simple jammies, but the silky shirt and knickers seemed to hug her body just right, making her appear soft and curvy. Her hair was hanging in wild curlicue around her shoulders, making it tantalizingly crystalise that she'd just rolled out of bed. `` Was there something you wanted ? '' She asked softly, clearly aware of the tension and anger he felt towards her.

He shook himself a bit, remembering that he'd made a decision and that he was determined to stick with it. `` I need to talk to you for a moment. ``

She gestured him in and closed the door, turning to front him with unquiet concern. `` Have you heard anything about Annapurna yet ? '' She looked down, and he began to wonder if she already knew why he'd come to see her.

'' lupine told me before he and Draco left that his contact had gotten a hold of him to report that she had gotten Annapurna to the Colony and they were well. '' He crossed his arm and stared her Down, almost daring her to meet his eyes. `` As well as can be expected anyway, given the fact that she had to be taken away from her friends and family to learn how to be a better lamia. ``

'' It is not all my flaw ! '' She protested, once more raising her gaze. `` I am sorry for the contribution 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 feelings destroy my life ! ``

'' Of course I feel hangdog ! '' Ron shouted. `` I was all wrapped up in cerebration of you while she was off being fed on or whatever it takes to turn someone ! She relied on me and I let her down, well I won't do it anymore. ``

'' Meaning what ? Have you come to tell me off the Saami way you did all your early friends ? ``

'' I don't have to. You aren't my friend, I barely know you. '' He saw that she was hurt badly by this and it hurt him to see it. He may not do it her well, but this was certainly proving to be concentrated than it had been to say the affair he knew would make his friends mad at him. He wondered how Harry had been able to hold back this act up for so long last year when he was already cook to befuddle in the towel at the peck of Jacey's upset with him. But if he wanted to be left alone, he had to ensure no one wanted to bother him. `` For a moment I thought I wanted to have it away you, but you're as big a liar as Harry, Luna and Hermione. Besides, if I can barely stick out to be around myself, how can I possibly be near you when the sight of you makes me reckon of everything that Parvati is going through because you didn't warn anyone ? ``

'' okey, you have made your point. '' She said crossly. `` I think you should go before you say something I really can not forgive. Remember Ron, eventually you will receive a way to move past what you are feeling… you do not want to completely cut every nosepiece you have. ``

'' Maybe I do. '' He countered. `` It would realise it that much easier to start over from scratch. ``

'' Why would you need to do that ? '' She pushed. `` Your admirer, your family… they have always been there for you. Maybe not always in way of life that you okay of, but you can only really blame them for doing what they thought was best for you. I know the things you said to them today, the way you made them experience about themselves. I know that it is easier for you to take a crap them think badly of themselves so that they will draw a blank they are mad at you for putting those thoughts in their heads in the first place. But what you are doing is cruel. Harry already feels so much responsibleness for everyone's eudaemonia, making him think almost losing Luna was his fault was a horrible affair to do. ``

'' I wasn't damage. '' He shot back, trying to try out that he was unaffected by her Good Book. `` He's the genius behind Xeno releasing that storey, everything that happens as a result of it is in some way his fault. He provided the catalyst. ``

'' And even now after you have made that clear and nearly crushed him with that knowledge, he would lay down his sprightliness 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 denial to go on after so much mindless and unending calamity, even you. Taking theirs away from them, exposing all the things they had repressed in order to keep moving forward… you are hurting them More than they realize. And more than you realize. You have no approximation what is going on between Hermione and Fred right now and the therefore the things you said to her were devastating for her to hear. After finding her in that fix so completely lost, you should have realized that she is in a very frail place at the moment. ``

'' You're correctly, I have no thought 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 altogether tip here ! '' He stalked over to the door, more than raging with her now than when he'd come in. He wanted the lavishness of focusing on his own emotional State Department, he didn't want to have to become mindful of anyone else's. Of course of study he knew they were all pain after Holocene epoch events… but he wanted his pain sensation to ask center phase for once. He didn't want to receive to realise that to each of them, their own pain in the neck was the most important… he didn't want to throw to take that there were those among his protagonist who may experience deserved to feel worse than he did. So what if that made him selfish… he was seventeen and this was the time to be selfish, to be vernal and responsibility-free, to not have to wish about anyone but himself before growing up and having to get a job and jump a phratry. He was tired and wanted the life of a pattern teen and the best way to achieve that was to distance himself from those that by design or desire were now forced to be to a greater extent mature.

'' Please do not just walk out. '' Jacey said softly as he breezed past her.

'' There's zip more to say and nothing Sir Thomas More I want to listen. '' He answered meanly, opening the threshold and walking out.

It wasn't until he reached his own room that he finally allowed himself to rest. 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 girl who really had tried to care about him to a fearful fate… A fate that had been allowed to go on by the young woman he'd allowed himself to be distracted by. Until he could forgive himself, he'd never be capable to forgive Jacey… and at this point, he wasn't entirely surely he wanted to.

( breakout )

Hermione lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was too hot to catch some Z's, though once she kicked off her covers she found she was suddenly too cold. She'd tried taking the herbs given to her by the healers but they had only relieved her sore throat and stuffed nose. The headache remained, and she began to mistrust that it had cipher to do with the cold she'd caught. Ron's discussion were echoing in her head, making her dubiety so many things… but she wouldn't let herself be swept up in it. She'd have plenty of clock time to experience bad once she was sure Fred was safe.

As a distraction, she focused her psyche on finding a solution. At first off they'd all agreed that finding out where Fred was being kept was the most important matter, but she was starting to opine otherwise. What dependable would finding him do if they didn't trope out a way to disembroil him from the ambush that had forced him to go forth in the first home ? Nailing down the spy was the key… Erebos and Simon the Zealot, 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 give weight and Fred could be freed of the awe of Ron and Ginny being killed if he didn't cooperate. The succeeding 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 last, zippo that Elanya could use to prove he'd helped her in any way. The last footmark was finding a way to end the threat Sarah had hung over Hermione's own head. Once that was done, there was null to force Fred to go forward to join forces and then they could find him and bring him home.

There was only one way she had been able to think of overcoming Sarah's skill with Advanced Astral projection and that was to become a comparable opponent. She'd already read the volume she'd gotten from the depository library once… now it was time to read through them again to be sure she hadn't missed anything and then it would be time to recitation. She turned on the light and picked up one of the leger, figuring it was a serious use of her insomnia than staring at the ceiling and worrying endlessly. She was determined that by the end of this week she would know everything Sarah knew about astral projection… That they will have 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 design for how to land him back.

　

NOTE : side by side chapter, the Richard Morris Hunt for Fred and some more things are brought to light. Stay tuned to notice out what happens next !

acknowledgment to Helen Wills and the polyjuice potion from Harry Potter and the goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.
mention to Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the orderliness of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
Reference to Quierrell from Harry ceramicist and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's endocarp by J.K. Rowling


Chapter 53 : And the Plot Thickens

A/N : Wow did this chapter consume 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, reappraisal, Enjoy !





'' You're sure about this ? '' lupin asked as they watched the Moon rise from beneath the trees.

'' I am. '' Draco answered steadily, clutching his talisman tightly as he waited for himself to be set to hit it. They had hiked all day in silence yesterday, both capacity to let the other be lost in their own cerebration as they left any hint of culture far behind them. He'd been thankful that Lupin had allowed the silence to continue into the nighttime and adjacent day… he felt awkward around the man and didn't know how to lecture to him anymore. Lucius had been ready to wipe out Lupin simply for agreeing to legally look after Dragon and unsound, he'd threatened to go after Andromeda, Ted and Tonks as well before he'd escaped. His father's inexplicable anger and green-eyed monster was obviously something thrower hadn't anticipated when he'd suggested this unit guardianship thing for them… none of them had. `` You don't have to arrive with, you know. You can keep your amulet on and stay human… I took the potion, I'll be fine. ``

'' I know. But I want to go with. '' He insisted. `` I've had to do this by myself for many years, and even when you think you don't want anyone else there, I've found it's always better not to go through it alone. I had James and Sirius… and because they kept me going, now you have me to help you. ``

genus Draco shook his headspring. `` 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 variety of control… you don't have to be there for me anymore. You can take back your charge and erase all tracing that tie yours and Tonks figure to mine. ``

'' I could, but why would I ? '' Lupin smiled. `` You can't always expect that the great unwashed will just contribute up on you when things get too strong Dragon. Not everyone is like that. You may conceive that it's unmanageable to open yourself up to caring about others… but that's the easy persona. It can be far more difficult to open yourself up to letting others care about you. ``

'' I just don't want it to be my fault if Lucius decides to go after you guys ! '' He said angrily, taking a few gradation away.

'' And it wouldn't be. '' He said gently. `` What your father chooses to do is up to him, but the bad bloodline between him and Andromeda goes back to before you were born. Her Recent kindness to you is only the later exculpation for him to seek retribution against her. Tonks has been in his peck for years as she was a percentage of several dissimilar probe seeking to bring him down. And after what happened in the Ministry of Magic, after losing Sirius, she had already sworn to assist get Lucius and the others if it was the concluding thing she did. I know you don't know your cousin very well, but it takes a lot for her to gage down from anything. '' He smiled as he thought of his wife. `` As for me, well, you've kind of grown on me. I'm certainly not scared of Lucius, and I wouldn't let him be the thing that has you pushing me away when it's pull in you'd rather have me around. ``

'' I guess you've grown on me too. '' Draco mumbled. `` Which is why the last thing I want to be is a burden. ``

'' And you aren't. '' lupin insisted. `` My family was always common cold and distant, and they became even more so after I became afflicted with this curse. My totally life I had to make my own family, which is what I managed to do with James, Lily and Sothis. After I lost them, I thought I was finished caring about people… And then I got the chance to not only meet and be near Harry, but to help oneself clean Dog Star's name 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, someone I can ploughshare the most horrible portion of my life story with, person who makes this expletive easier to bear because now I have the duty 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 demand me and Tonks and the semblance of family we can offer you, it's also because I need you to be in my life. ``

He didn't know what to say or even how he felt. He was still getting used to what it was like to love Ginny, how was he also supposed to palm the feelings that came with having normal mob members who not only cared about him, but actually wanted him around ? Lupin was related to him through wedlock 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… father, brother, uncle, cousin and respectable protagonist all wrapped up in one software system and waiting for him to live with it. `` Okay. '' He said, not trusting himself to say anything else without betraying how emotional he felt.

Lupin laughed and patted his shoulder. `` Come on, let's let ourselves go for the Nox and just savor the run. We'll head teacher back towards Hogwarts so we won't have as far to travel in the morning. ``

Dragon nodded in silent correspondence. Together they removed their amulets, storing them safely in their grip, of which they'd loosened the straps to fit their soon to be larger forms. Stepping out into the Moon, he wasn't quite sure what to expect… the transformation wasn't as atrocious as he remembered, though perhaps it was because this clock time he fully embraced it, wanting the wolf to be free. Still retaining their own nous, they were now in foreign bodies and had to be heedful as they remembered to flog the bags to their backs. They shared a look before Lupin threw his head to the moon and let out a crazy ululation. And then they were off, allowing the wolves to run and bring while they attempted to bend off their human being thoughts.

( BREAK )

As had become his customs duty, Fred woke early, just before the sun rose. Of course he had no idea what sentence that was, just as he had no idea how long he'd actually been on this island… he'd forced himself to barricade counting days after the fifth one, finding it far too demoralize. Instead he had learned to centre on finding what fiddling enjoyment he could while he was imprisoned. Those odd blossom growing here had become one of those matter he actually liked and so he'd begun getting up before the sun, gladly leaving the brilliancy of the interior of their massive tent that seemed so ordinary bicycle on the external. As he now normally did, he walked up the beach to where a small darn of the strange bloom grew wild.

Looking off into the apparent horizon as he waited for the sun to peek over it, he let his nous wander… Wondering what his friend were up to, what Hermione must be thinking about his disappearance, whether his parents knew he was in fuss, and most prominently ... how was he going to get himself out of this ? Hearing a loud squawking speech 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-skinned synopsis of those Weird creatures that enjoyed flying through the dawn. He didn't know what they were and they never came close enough for him to really see them, which was fine by him as he wasn't about to go looking for them. They seemed to stick to the tall flock that made up most of this island and Fred had been indisputable to hold 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 free of the horizon to get down it's upgrade through the sky. He eagerly turned back to the flush, waiting for that beginning beam of lightness to tint them. At last it happened and his heart danced as bud after bud bloomed in an explosion of color- vibrant pinks and purple, atomic number 10 blue and park, deeply saturated oranges and yellows. It was breathtaking to behold, like a work of art coming to life right in strawman of him.

'' Well, I figured I'd find you here again. '' Elanya said as she came up behind him. He ignored her as he'd been doing since that first night… he hadn't spoken a single Bible to her since setting up the collapsible shelter. In fact, he felt like he was beginning to block how to talk at all as he'd never in his life been able-bodied to maintain quiet for more than a few minutes let alone however long he'd been stuck here… Though in a sentiency, it did make him glad to know that his stubbornness and possession were so firm. He knew it was beginning to put out her that she was basically left talking to herself and as that was the only form of victory he could reach, 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 apart her that he'd be able to see more stimulating ways to pass his clip had she not forced him onto this island where the lone form of entertainment was the strange smasher of nature… But he didn't. He simply got up and brushed the sand from his shorts before stripping off his shoes and jersey and heading down to the water for a swimming. He could sense her following him and smiled to himself, glad that he was proving to be an infliction to her. `` You have to babble out to me sometime ! '' She called as he walked right into the water supply, letting the inexplicable heat of it sooth away the tension he carried at all prison term 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 purchase with his money. The fabric was gold, nearly blending in with the cryptic tan she'd acquired while they'd been there and illuminating the honey-gold color of her oculus. The sun shone through her light auburn whisker, casting a lustrous aura around her. He bit the interior of his impertinence, needing the pain to remind him that as good as she may look she wasn't dependable to let one's guard down around. `` Mind if I join you for a swim ? '' She asked slyly as she posed effortlessly in presence of him like a golden statue.

It was clear she wanted some reception and it didn't matter whether it was a defense or acceptance of her offer. She was clearly starting to act out in an attempt to manipulate him into doing what she wanted, which was speak to her. As a skilled liar and operator himself, he knew the things to await for and so he willfully kept his silence. Pretending he hadn't even seen her, he turned and dove into the soft waves before moving his arms and leg, gliding easily through the body of water without looking back. Everyday he managed to get further from the shoreline… not that he had any conjuration about being able to swim his way across the ocean. But as Elanya never went more than waist-deep into the H2O, he'd fall to realize she was probably not a very strong or confident swimmer. This meant that the solely time he could be assured of being away from her was way out where she dared not go.

Feeling his side begin to cramp and his tree branch 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 furious as she strode back towards the tent. Breathing a sigh of backup man Fred flipped over onto his back and floated, careful to bear in mind that he didn't let the flow pulling him further than he thought he could swim back. Allowing his head to dip so that his ears were below water where everything was muffled and staring at the dateless blueness sky, he felt relaxed… peaceful… and very lonely. As much as he would like to look on the bright side and love the scenery of where he was, the melodic theme that so many people were probably worried about him kept him from doing so. He wished he were stuck on the island with Hermione, that this was some post-graduation holiday and she could be out here to relish this still moment with him.

He was worried that he didn't know what was going on at Hogwarts, but there was nothing he could do about it. Still, it was easier to think of the unknown danger the others were going through than to concentrate on his own captivity… But he knew he had to depart doing something to transfer his situation. As much as he wanted to celebrate up this silent treatment that was making Elanya so mad, he knew he needed response from her. His hands were completely tied while he was here, cut off from everyone and all information. But if he could chance out when they were leaving and when she planned on going back to London to assay to use him against his admirer and crime syndicate, then he'd be better positioned to arrive up with a programme. Getting himself off this island was useless if he didn't design a way out of everything else as well.

tone hungry, Fred turned and swam back to shore. Letting the sun dry him as he walked back to the tent, he decided to give himself one more day to savour making Elanya mad… Tomorrow he would see how he felt about breaking his silence. After all, as much as he wanted to ground with himself, it was hard to give up the only pocket-sized bit of world power he had at the moment.

( rift )

'' Good break of day everyone ! '' Charlie greeted his socio-economic class. Since lupin and genus Draco had decided to allow, an impromptu switch up of class agenda was arranged to make 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 meter Tuesday morning and that left the one-seventh year advanced program course of instruction to revel maintenance of Magical animal as the inaugural object lesson of the day. Normally Hermione enjoyed Charlie's class, even if she did have to address him Professor Weasley. But between her business over Fred, her still lingering sickness and Ron glaring at her and Harry the whole time, she just wasn't in the mood for anything that distracted her from practicing astral expulsion. Perhaps she should have 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 lose out on anything that could represent itself on a mental test. But her principal just wasn't in it and as Charlie began handing out little playscript to them all, she debated asking if she could be excused.

'' Now, my coming to teach here was a very last minute decision and so I didn't have fourth dimension to get my say on your reading leaning for this class. '' Charlie announced as he finished passing the books around and stood before them all. `` Today we start learning about wight I have a particular strength in- flying lizard. '' 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 penny-pinching brush with a few different species. '' He grinned at Harry.

'' Charlie, this Quran has your figure on it. '' Ron interrupted, not bothering to grow his hand.

'' That's Professor Weasley while we're in 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 co-worker were favourable enough to trip up upon a coinage of flying lizard that had long been thought to have 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 try. ``

He went on and suddenly too curious and interest to consider leaving family, Hermione began flipping through the ledger, eager to get a signified of Charlie as an author. The school text was informative but it was the brilliant pic of the island where the dragons had been found and of the animal themselves that really made the book spectacular. Drawn in by a brightly burst of people of colour in the corner of one of the photograph, she leaned in closer and was struck as she recognized the peak 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 flowers in this pic here, are they Colorsplosions ? '' She felt Harry perk up succeeding to her and together they eagerly waited for an answer.

'' Why, yes as a issue of fact. As it turned out, these dragons weren't the only if matter we found on the island that had been thought to be out. Good job recognizing them '' He nodded encouragingly. `` There were several other plant and carnal species on this island- ''

'' What island ? '' Harry interrupted, throwing his mitt in the air as an afterthought.

'' One of the gateway islands that protect the itinerary to Castellumshire. '' He answered suspect of the sudden interest. `` I'm no sailor, I simply rode with a crowd of them and they knew how to get there. I personally couldn't even bespeak it out on a map. ``

'' And are the Dragon that live there grievous ? '' 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 dyad of very shrewd nipper they use to perch and transfix prey and the horns protruding from the tips of their wings. They live in high places, generally mountains… Which is where we found these go few. Our camp was down at the base and as long as we remained down there, the Winghorns didn't bother us. It was only after we climbed up to study them more closely that they became vicious and highly protective of what they considered their molding. 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 shed light on that they only came out to hunt in the very early on break of the day. 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 get a line more. Surely she had to be mistaken, surely Colorspolosions had to originate elsewhere in the world… She knew all it would take to find out the truth was to run the idea by Luna and the young lady's intuition would evidence them if this was the island where Fred was being held… but she was already pretty sure that it was. Of course of study it had to be, why wouldn't Elanya insist they go one of the few place anyone else dared to ? What were the odds another team of flying dragon hunters would be stopping by now that they knew what was there ?

As soon as Charlie ended his class, Hermione raced back to her room, throwing aside the books on astral sound projection to rule the one about mysterious islands that she'd also stolen/borrowed. She flipped through the varlet until she found an entry on the gateway islands… there were two some thirty kilometers apart that were estimated to be about a one hundred klick from Castellumshire. Despite this wide area, the book explained that for some reason, these islands proved to be unchartable and only a very temper sailor knew how to recover them.

Feeling excited, unquiet and terrorise, she rushed into the unwashed 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 Holy Scripture 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 ? '' genus Draco asked as he emerged from the Slytherin wing.

They all froze, incertain 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 minutes 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. '' Hermione said quickly, not knowing what else to say and figuring it was best to stand by with the lie already told. They may not have discussed it, but she, Harry and Luna had clearly come to a still agreement not to severalize Draco anything about Fred so that he wouldn't be put in the lieu of keeping it from Ginny.

'' Yeah, Ginny mentioned something about that. Apparently Mrs Weasley sent a letter complaining all about it and the sharp way he left. '' Draco said slowly. He was anything but dimwitted and it was clear he'd picked up on something being haywire. `` What does that have to do with you all not knowing where he is ? ``

'' Hermione had been talking to him through those compacts… you know, keeping in spot. '' Luna blurted out.

'' right field, 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 thought where he was actually staying and therefore no way to get hold of him. ``

'' I had a vision that showed him on an island, though I wasn't sure which one so she went to look up the things I described to see if she could figure it out. '' Luna added, rounding out their lie.

Draco ignored them and looked at Hermione before smirking and shaking his heading. He'd gotten to bonk them all well since joining with them, and had spent old age before that spying on them to get word all their secrets. He knew of the three, Harry was the gifted prevaricator, though Luna was capable when pressed… he also knew Hermione not only didn't like to lie, she wasn't always the most win over at it. Letting Harry and Luna speak for her had obviously given him a clue that thing weren't exactly as they were telling him. `` I see. '' He said at last. `` This is one of those, I'm-better-off-not-knowing, type of things… is that because Ginny is punter off not knowing ? ``

'' Let's just say everything's fine and joystick with that. '' Harry said.

'' Okay, I don't need to know the particulars. '' Draco agreed. `` But if you need facilitate, I've been looking for a reason to practice session scrying. ``

'' Why ? '' Hermione asked.

He shrugged. `` You all said we need to focus on getting ready to find the coven… Figured I'd like to have something utile to get to the table. Scrying is a skill that runs in my kinsfolk so I thought I could use it to help you locate all those people. ``

'' Good to know 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 helper. I won't mention to Ginny that Fred is currently… off the grid ? ``

'' I guess that's the unspoilt way to put it. '' Hermione nodded. `` Thanks. '' He waved her off and continued on his way to tell Ginny that he had returned.

'' Yes, I think that's the place. '' Luna said, answering Hermione's earlier dubiousness once she was certainly they were alone.

'' goodness, so if we know what island he's on and Dragon thinks he can find where the island is, then there's no need for you and Jacey to go to Erebos's grade today so she can try to get into his head. '' Harry said happily.

'' That was your thought in the first place ! '' Hermione reminded him.

'' I've had sentence to excogitate on it. '' He answered defensively.

'' Either way, we still have to determine whether he's really the spy. We can't go delivery Fred until we're sure we've shut down everything they're holding over his head. '' She argued.

'' I agree. '' Jacey said, emerging from the Slytherin fender as Tristan, properly dressed in schooltime robes and carrying a backpack. `` Are you quick to go young lady granger ? ``

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he was extremely dysphoric. She felt free in that moment… she didn't have to care what Harry thought anymore. She was willing to do whatever she had to in order to help oneself Fred, just as she'd done in the past times for Harry, no matter how dangerous or stupe. They had to sleep with if Erebos was the spy so that they could stop him from carrying out Elanya's threats… if that meant placing herself in front of the professor while Jacey tried to get into his mind, then so be it. `` I'm fix. '' She answered confidently.

( geological fault )

Ginny answered the knock on her room access right away and threw her blazonry around genus Draco, more than relieved that he'd returned as he'd promised. `` I wasn't even gone a full two solar day. '' He teased, leaning down to buss her.

'' It felt like much longer. '' She sighed, taking his hand and leading him into her way, closing the room access for privacy. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' As much as I can be I guess. '' He answered honestly, taking a seat on the bed. `` I talked a few things over with Lupin and it made me palpate better… variety of. I'm just tired of everything always being so difficult. ``

'' You and everyone else. '' She smiled, climbing behind him and rubbing his shoulder joint. She could feel how lots stress he was carrying and did her outdo to ease the extreme tension in his musculus. `` But I guess if affair weren't difficult, we wouldn't appreciate the meter when everything is soft. ``

He relaxed into her script, letting his principal hang down as she massaged his neck. `` When has anything ever been easy ? We've all had to fight to get where we are and now we're struggling to stay there while the entire world seems to plot against us. ``

'' Being with you isn't such a struggle. '' She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the back of his neck. `` In fact, loving you might be the soft thing I've ever done even after all we've gone through together. I don't attention how hard I have to fight for us Draco, I think it's worth it. ``

He took her limb and turned to face her, studying her very closely. `` None of this… aught I'm inquiring or doubting has anything to do with you or us. '' He said very seriously before at last break into a smile. `` You don't have to convince me that you love me, it's probably the alone affair I'm sure of anymore. ``

She nodded. `` I just thought you needed to pick up it again. I can't opine what you must be feeling after everything that happened with Lucius on Saturday… I just don't want you to go back to thinking that everyone is like him, that everyone will hurt or disappoint you in the foresighted run. ``

He let out a small joke. `` Lupin said something similar. ``

'' Well, we can't both be wrong, decently ? '' 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 word and turned away from her again. `` I tried to give lupine an out. I told him to erase all suggestion that linked his and Tonks's names to mine… but he wanted to stick around on as my guardian. ``

'' Of course he did ! You don't think you're helping him deal with this completely werewolf affair the same way he's helping you ? '' She asked, once more wrapping her implements of war around him and resting her chin on his shoulder. `` Face it Draco… once people get to cognize you, you're a pretty likable guy. And I hope you weren't planning to try and make me the Lapp offer as lupin because you're as stuck with me as you are with him. ``

'' Don't I know it. '' He teased, turning to osculate her cheek.

'' You're lucky to own us both. '' She went on, smiling widely.

'' Yeah, I know that too. '' He laughed.

'' Well here's the persona you don't seem to know yet… we're lucky to take you as well. '' She reached up and turned his grimace so that she could lightly kiss his lips. `` Maybe that's the part you shouldn't forget. '' She whispered before fully capturing his rima oris once more, prepare to welcome him back and show him just how often she'd missed him.

( breakage )

'' Mr. Macnair ! I was told not to expect you in division today. '' Professor Erebos said as soon as Jacey entered his classroom. Hermione had been sure as shooting to get in a few minutes before her as common so that nothing would look suspicious.

'' I'm of the psyche that my position here is still to be determined. '' She replied as Tristan, coolly taking a seat in the backward row of the nearly vacate classroom. Erebos simply shook his headway and began his moral. Clearly the man was going to leave the act of disciplining the vampire to those with more king than he had. Jacey was glad to feel that the prof was more than a bit pall of Tristan.

Remember, hold him interfering. Ask questions so he is focused on you and therefore less capable to centre on shielding his idea. She reminded Hermione.

I think I can handle it. She replied in amusement.

They waited until the lesson was one-half over, hoping that Erebos would be lulled into a false common sense of certificate. You quick ? Jacey thought out to Harry and Luna. She knew that by now they had stationed themselves side by side door in professor Flitwick's currently evacuate classroom.

Let's just try to be really careful, okay ? Harry asked desperately.

giving Hermione the signal, Jacey watched in fascinated amusement as the early girl raised her hand and assaulted Erebos with rapid-fire questions. No sooner had the man answered her once than she was asking for More information, more illumination or to a greater extent item. Watching him go flustered, Jacey waited until she was sure he was completely distracted by his eager pupil. Feeling Harry and Luna's bearing mingle in with hers, she propelled all three of them forward into the prof's head. Sure enough, they found a fortress around his mind, as richly and mighty as any of theirs. Picturing the three of them tiptoeing through the man's subconscious mind, 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 origination. They slipped their way in, careful not to leave a trace of themselves. Flipping through the man's mind as quickly as possible, they at endure found what they were looking for.

*****

Erebos put the key in the threshold 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 hanker time Dolos. '' She said, offering a sly and seductive smile.

'' And I had thought it would be much longer. I thought we had agreed class ago to just be happy that we got away with having our shortly time together. '' He replied, angrily dropping his suitcase to the ground. He didn't like being summoned like this, but the fille had a lot of dirt on him and she was entirely capable of ruining his life.

'' You thought a lot of things about me, haven't you ? '' She teased.

He cleared his pharynx and remained stabilize 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 things between you and the ex-wife are entirely unsettled… it seems she's battling you for full custody of the footling rugrats you two bred. '' She laughed again, having seen the headache that instantly spread across his fount. `` Relax Dolos, I didn't call you here to rekindle old flame or to threaten your disaffect mob. ``

'' Then why did you bid, and why have us meet here, in Australia of all lieu ? '' 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 shadow of the figure underneath. `` It seems you and I are in the position to assist each other yet again. '' She added, looking at him over her shoulder joint. Everything about her was as appealing as it had been all those age ago, from her rather attractive appearance to the small star tattoo that drew him into her eyes to the wind of danger she always promised to provide.

'' I'm hearing. '' He said, entertaining the idea that perhaps rekindling old flames wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

She turned fully to him, leaning against the balcony railing as she spoke. `` I came here looking for someone… turns out the first one wasn't all that I needed him to be. But I have found a girl with the right power and a desperate penury for revenge. My friends and I need her… after speaking with the girl, we've already come up with a plan on how to use her to our outflank advantage. The only 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 reach her the way to kill her father, she was also hesitant in joining with us when she had no way to repay us. ``

'' She seems smart, doesn't want to be left in anyone's debt. '' He interrupted, thinking of his own spot. He was entirely indebted to Elise for how she was able to brood up their liaison all those years ago… it was why he had come here.

'' Whatever the case, you need to be the thing she can provide us… which works out wonderfully since I was eventually going to contact you on our behalf anyway. '' She grinned.

'' You keep saying our and we. Who else are you plotting with ? ``

'' A dear old friend… perhaps you remember Sarah Elaine ? '' She waited as he nodded, indicating he vaguely remembered the girl who he'd only ever met during the trial. `` She has her own Pisces on the draw, 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 young and very pretty… she's staying in this hotel. I need you to make believe it your patronage to run into her. I'm sure you won't have a problem convincing her that you find her very attractive and would do anything she wanted of you. Then I need you to casually drop away into conversation that you work at Hogwarts… she'll take care of the rest. ``

'' How can you be sure ? ``

Elise smiled again, this time like a lioness toying with her prey. `` Because I'll see to it that she thinks you are exactly what we need. imagine her delectation 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 her do. ``

'' So you want me to help you fool and trap this female child ? '' He shook his head. `` How naïve is she ? ``

'' Not at all actually. She is very well mindful of how affair work in my earthly concern, but like you she prefers to live on the outer border of it, only dipping a toe in when it suits her. '' Elaine teased. `` That is why we have to not only set up this luxuriant farce, but also be entirely convincing about it. ``

'' Which is why you told me to use a funeral as my excuse for being in the state. ``

'' Well, death makes most people feel awkward and therefore there are less uninvited questions. ``

He sighed and sat down in the chair. `` And, what do I get out of this ? ``

'' Besides the pleasure of a renewed conversance with me ? '' She grinned. `` We will secure that you get whatever you want out of this little divorce combat. ``

'' How ? I don't want Lilah hurt. '' He had a sudden sense of protectiveness come over him as he thought of his children's female parent being killed.

'' Relax. We have plenty of ways of doing anything we want. It's all about knowing the ripe people and calling in the the right way favour. '' She assured him. `` After we deliver, all I'll need you to do is keep playing along with the girl. Once you get back to school, all you'll have to do is hold open an eye on a few alternative scholar 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 room to suffer before him. `` How do you feel about hurting pupil, 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 endure war, but that had been because he thought he was doing right, protecting a way of life-time. After, when he'd gotten to know Elise and seen what the war had done to the shaver of his opposition he began to wonder if he did belong on Dumbledore's slope. It was a question that had haunted him for years after. Perhaps this was his prison term to see out… if he was capable to menace an innocent student, then surely he belonged on Elise's side of the war, on Voldemort's side.

'' No one wants it to come up to that, and if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to then it won't. But I need person who can do what is requisite should the occasion arise. '' She was studying him closely, obviously looking for signs of weakness.

'' If you can ensure Lilah won't be able to deal my kids away, then I'm your man. '' He replied steadily. There were a lot of louche thing in his past, some of them had been what finally pushed his wife away and forced her to try 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 years, she'd come 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 bother keeping up her battery of dubiousness and wanted to control her that she could stop.

Suddenly the classroom threshold swung open and Healer drake entered with an excusatory smiling. `` Sorry to interrupt. '' He said politely. `` I need to adopt Mr. Macnair. He's wanted up in the master's office. ``

'' Go on Macnair. I told you that you weren't supposed to be here. '' Erebos crossed his weapons system and waited impatiently.

Jacey reluctantly got up, hearing Harry in her head telling her and Hermione that he and Luna were staying where they were until the class was over. She followed Drake down the hall, wondering what was going to happen. `` I hope this is somehow component part of your program, because Dumbledore is really mad. '' He said as they walked.

'' In a sense. We want Tristram in as much trouble as possible. '' She answered, hoping she could withstand the master's anger. The therapist left her at the gargoyle and she now had to face Dumbledore's ira alone.

But of course the older wiz knew how to control his emotions and as she entered his office, she saw him regarding her with case-hardened oculus while speaking in a steady voice. `` Mr. Macnair. May I ask why you openly defied my parliamentary procedure and went to division today ? ``

'' I got lonely. '' She shrugged, mimicking Tristram's nonchalant way of dealing with authority.

'' I see. '' He leaned forward and spoke softly. `` The Aurors have decided to take your case Mr. Macnair. They are applying for a warrantee of arrest and as soon as it comes through I am to hand you over to them. Unfortunately, it may assume a few mean solar day as we are still caught up looking for both Annapurna Patil and Troy Mason. Until that clock time we are finally able to rid ourselves of you, you are hereby confined to your dormitory. I suggest you use your last few days here to fancy out exactly what you're going to differentiate the courts. You are dismissed. '' With a brandish, he disappeared, apparently not wanting to render Tristan a chance to respond. She was left sitting alone in the office, contemplating what life was going to be like once she was once more entirely relinquish to be herself.

( BREAK )

Harry nervously waited for Hermione to get out the schoolroom, hating the thought of her being solely with soul who wasn't quite certainly 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 handwriting, to feel the comfort she could wreak him… but with so many students walking the halls, that was impossible. Not only had they both agreed it was best no one but their admirer knew about them, he was supposed to still be pretending to be with Hermione in an attempt to fool Erebos, Simon and anyone else who may think she was a little too close to Fred. `` Well ? '' He asked as soon as she emerged.

'' cypher happened, it was an ordinary bicycle class. I can't be sure, but I don't think he felt you guys in his chief. '' 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 instruction today Miss Granger. '' He said, stopping to grin at them.

'' triton are coming up, I just want to be prepared. '' She answered quickly.

'' You know Hermione, always one to question all. '' Harry said proudly, leaning in to kiss her temple as she pushed herself closer against him.

'' Too bad I could never interest you in the discipline Mr. ceramicist. I think I would cause enjoyed having you in my social class as well. '' He said with a closely smile. `` You seem to have so many natural endowment, I'm sure you could just pluck the resolution to any test right out of my head. '' He added meaningfully.

Harry felt himself affright. `` I would never do something like that. It's cheating. '' He answered steadily, not wanting the professor to obtain any proof of his suspicions.

'' cum on, we have to go or we'll miss dejeuner and I'm starvation. '' Hermione said, playfully taking his hired hand and pulling him along as if she didn't mother wit the sudden tension.

He quickly followed her, gripping her hand so tight he was afraid he would break it. `` You are definitely going to have to request something to get you out of that category. '' He said as they walked toward the Great Hall.

'' What happened ? Is he the spy ? '' She asked, though it was clear the prof's conduct had already confirmed what she feared.

'' Yeah, to say the very least… we may not just be going to hold open 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. ``

( jailbreak )

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked unceremoniously as soon as Elanya emerged from the tent.

'' And a upright sunrise to you too ! '' She said happily. `` I see you've decided to number to your senses and talk of the town to me. ``

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked again, having decided those were the exclusively words he would allow himself to say until he received a definite answer.

'' I don't see why you're in such a big hurry to get back… it seems your champion are already starting to forget about you. '' She taunted.

He was curious, 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 make out what I've heard from my sources ? '' She asked coyly.

At this full stop, he was more concerned with how she'd heard from her sources and filed away in his mind that he needed to obtain the prospect to look for her communication device. `` When are we leaving ? '' He smiled to himself as he saw her glower. Apparently this could have the electric 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 source within Hogwarts has told me that he's witnessed several things to tell him that she and Harry thrower have mended their broken relationship. It seems she didn't quite appreciate you up and leaving her without a Holy Writ of warning. ``

Fred held himself together, forcing himself not to react. He knew that Hermione knew Elanya had already planned to force him away… he truly believed she was smart enough to put two and two together once she was ineffectual to pass on 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 give birth stopped counting days after five, but he knew he'd been here for a hanker time… a few calendar week at least. Shouldn't someone have come looking for him ? Whether or not what she said was true, he was determined not to let Elanya acknowledge she had shaken him. He stared her right in the eye and grinned. `` When are we leaving ? ``

( BREAK )

Ron had spent four days successfully keeping his supporter at bay. It seemed his quarrel against them had worked and for ameliorate or worse, they were leaving him to sieve it out himself. Of class, they all probably had some big secret to focus on and assist keep their nous off of him, but the longer he went, the harder it was for him to proceed to defend the stance he had taken. After all, they still had each other and he was pretty practically alone… just as he'd thought he wanted.

Not caring to sit by himself at dinner yet again, he'd decided to spend his Thursday night in the library. He really did try to do homework, but he just couldn't focus and eventually found himself writing a letter to Parvati with the hope that Lupin could find a way to get it to her. He was three pageboy into explaining how sorry he was when someone's apparition fell over him.

'' Here you are ! '' Seamus exclaimed, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him. `` I've been looking for you all over, you know we have our beginning plot Sat, don't you ? ``

'' Yeah, I know. What is there to do until pattern tomorrow ? ``

'' practice session tonight. '' He grinned. `` I got McGonagall to check to let us throw a nighttime practice so long as we had it wrapped up by ten. That only gives us three and a one-half hours ! ejaculate on, I already told the squad to meet us down there. ``

Ron looked down at his letter and sighed. Perhaps he did call for a misdirection, something that was now entirely his as he was the simply one of his close supporter allowed to take part in quidditch in any way. `` Alright. Help me put these books back, Madame Pince had a fit the last time I was here and left them lying all over the piazza. '' Shoving his own matter in his backpack, he and Seamus grabbed the few Christian Bible he'd taken out in hopes of completing his potions essay and went into the stacks to put them away.

'' Hey, do you discover that ? '' Seamus whispered suddenly.

Both boys stopped and listened. At last Ron picked up on whatever Seamus had heard… a subdued clump and quiet moaning. singular, they followed the sounds a little deeper into the run-in of shelves. Turning the corner they gasped in shock at who they saw and what they were doing. `` I'd have thought you'd have practiced taste Padma. '' Seamus teased.

She and James Dean leapt apart, wiping their mouths 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 focus lately… '' Padma argued her case.

'' And he was just helping to salve some of it ? '' Seamus asked innocently as a all-inclusive, iniquity smile cattle farm across his face. She rolled her eyes and walked away in a huff.

'' Thanks jerks. '' doyen grumbled.

'' Aren't you supposed to be heading down to the quidditch rake ? '' Ron took his tour to tease their friend. Shooting them each a dirty look, Dean brushed past them to go down to practice.

'' wellspring, that was interesting. '' Seamus grinned.

'' Seeing his typeface get all red like that… it totally made my day. '' He agreed, smiling back.

They put away the Scripture and hurried outside to the field. Ron felt lighter than he had in days and was surprised to see that he could really relish himself with early Quaker. Dean and Seamus and the whole Gryffindor team were his outlet, his way of continuing to annul Harry, Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Once they left here, he would have to figure something else out, especially since his family was currently living in Harry's house for an undecided amount of prison term. But he still had a little over two hebdomad to call back on it. In the meantime, he was subject to permit himself to enjoy the rare, completely worry-free moment he was experiencing.

( BREAK )

'' cum on, we're going to be late for social class ! '' Luna grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her off the couch, barely giving her enough prison term to catch her al-Qur'an before dragging her out of the common way where she and Dragon had been lounging.

As soon as they were gone, Granger came and took Ginny's vacated smear. `` Here. '' She spread a map out in front man 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. Potter was standing behind her and it was clear they had been waiting for Luna to get Ginny out of the elbow room before approaching him. `` You said before that you guys can't sheet there even if you knew where it was. Isn't that the closed book of this island, that only certain people can discover it ? ``

'' Only certain multitude can discover it- by sea. '' Potter argued.

'' We're thought that if you can pinpoint it on a map, we can use the photos in Charlie's Good Book to apparate there. '' husbandman added hopefully.

Realizing they were grave, he took the map and stood. `` OK, I'll try. But I'd rather do this in buck private if you don't mind. '' He strode past them to the Slytherin wing and down to his room. The in conclusion thing he wanted was the tot up pressure of thrower and Granger 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 dire 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 course of instruction he didn't have a pendulum, but remembering a clock time when Narcissa had lost hers, he still thought that maybe he could do this. Copying everything he'd seen his mother do, he pulled out a single Strand of his hair… a piece of the seeker. Now he needed a piece of the sought after. Taking Charlie's Scripture, he ripped out the picture of the Colorsplosions and made a hole through the scrap. Looping his hair through it, he let it swing in front of him fix for testing. With his mind, he focused on the newspaper moving itself north… he was truly storm when it began to swing and at first view there must be a child's play. He quickly focused on moving the paper to the east and nearly dropped it in shock when it froze in midair and instantly swung the way he'd asked. So it had worked. He was thrilled but knew he had to be careful not to get overconfident.

Looking down at the map he let the paper dangle over the image of Castellumshire. `` Okay, time to really put you to the test. '' He said under his hint as he began focusing on narrowing down the lookup for the occult gateway islands.

The paper fluttered for a moment before swinging in a wide arch, making more and more precise circles until it stopped numb, pointing directly at what appeared to be empty ocean. He tried it three Sir Thomas More times, always with the Same consequence. You bozo should total and see this. He thought out to Potter, excited in venom of himself that he may feature 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 hairsbreadth, he once more demonstrated what the newspaper publisher pointed to on the map, positive enough in himself that he could do it with an audience. for sure enough he got the same effect and granger rushed to circulate the spot and write down the co-ordinate. `` And it's seems to be within one hundred kilometers. Thank you Draco, well done ! '' She exclaimed, leaping up to hug him

He awkwardly patted her back before extricating himself. `` Think nothing of it. And if Ginny ever finds out what you are all up to, I had nothing to do with it. ``

'' Agreed. '' Potter grinned. And then suddenly his expression turned to one of anger.

'' Harry, are you okay ? '' sodbuster asked, having also witnessed the pep pill with which Potter's mood had changed.

'' I've got to go. '' He said quickly before racing from the room.

'' Harry ! '' Granger called after him, looking out the door as he dashed down the foyer. `` What do you think that was about ? '' She asked, once more turning to face Draco.

He shrugged. `` Only he knows at this item. ``

'' I'd better go see if I can catch up to him somehow… '' She paused and offered a smile. `` Thanks again Draco. You have no idea how 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 site was, it was one Potter either thought he could handle alone or wanted to wield alone. If he'd thought he needed help, Draco didn't think he'd have hesitated to ask him. After all, they'd been finding it a lot more good to work together lately. Instead he lay back in his bed to wait for Ginny to be done with class, happily reflecting on his unexpected succeeder. If this was what it was like to have matter go your way, then he was prepared to sit back and let it. But he would persist prepared and cook should Lucius express his face again.

( intermission )

Luna ensured Ginny made it to class before making up an excuse for why she wouldn't be joining her. Claiming a severe stomachache as they approached the Gargoyle, she'd blamed food poisoning and urged the former girl to go on up. She'd told Ginny that she had a nifty herbal cure back in her elbow room and it was her own fault for not taking it when the symptoms had first gear begun to submit themselves.

Once alone in the Granville Stanley Hall, Luna straightened up and hoped she hadn't made her ally too worried about her. But she had no clock time for category rightfulness now, she wanted to get back to the coarse room and notice out whether Draco was able-bodied to locate the island. She moved quickly down the dormitory, not wanting anyone questioning why she wasn't where she was supposed to be. And then it suddenly struck her, the intuitive feeling of an oncoming vision. She quickly ducked through the nearest door feeling completely disoriented. Before her seeing blurred, she was able to arrive at out that she was in an empty classroom. Dropping to her knee joint, she crawled forward, feeling her way to the professor's desk and hiding herself behind it. She couldn't let anyone see her alone while having a visual sensation, it was too leisurely for them to take advantage of her being so completely vulnerable. There were still far too many enemies walking the hall to let one of them find her in a compromising spot in which she'd be unable to push. The lastly thing she wanted was to make it well-to-do for them to hand her over to Voldemort.

gift into the visual sense, she was surprised to find it was the Saami monition as before. Once again she and Harry were side by side in the whiteness room and she felt the same draw as Sarah, Elise and Elanya beckoned to them. And then again Harry was gone and she was recoiling in revulsion as St. Simon approached, reaching out to her. Only this time, the ending was unlike. She was frozen in place as Simon grew taller and taller before turning to stomp down on his babe and her friends who were now the size of it of mice. He turned and grinned as a pool of rake emerged from beneath his shoe and it was clear he had wanted her to watch. And then the way was spinning and once more Simon looked normal as he stood before her, reaching out to her as she shook in fear. Now it was Elise, Sarah and Elanya who grew large, crushing Simon to demise beneath their feet. Harry was beside her again and the three women turned to beckon to them as if cipher had happened. Instantly she felt drawn into them again and only then did she realize it wasn't her tactile sensation it. It was Harry who was so leave to listen to what these atrocious women had to say while neither of them seemed to have interest in Simon's message…

She shook her head as she came back to herself already attempting to think this through. If she was being warned that Harry was willing to listen to something those miss had to say, then what was Herb Simon going to do that made him turn to them. Her brain was spinning with possibilities and she suddenly wasn't sure as shooting what anything in the vision had been trying to say her. She hated the whitened elbow room, where zilch was enlighten and everything was a puzzle. But this sentence the warning had definitely felt more intense and as her mind switched completely back into consciousness, a piercing bunko game of hunch stabbed at her. She felt for her sceptre in her air pocket only to recognise she'd put it in her bag, which she'd dropped somewhere after she'd entered the schoolroom. She felt another person in there with her and reaching out her mind, she sensed it was the very last person in the earth she wanted to find… Simon Zelotes McKinney. She tried to remain as still as possible.

'' I know you're in here Luna. I saw you. '' He called. `` I just want the chance to blab to you about a few things… why don't you come on out and we can give a overnice, civil conversation ? '' She held her intimation and continued to remain 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 dumb, praying he'd just go away. `` Alright then, looks like you're choosing the voiceless way. ``

Luna shrieked as she felt the desk roughly slide away from her, leaving her completely out in the unfold. She leapt to her feet, not wanting to cause to front him from the terra firma. He stood before her with a demented 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 decent of you to call up it… may I have it please ? '' She asked carefully, trying not to bear witness that she was scared of him.

'' No, I think it's better if I hold onto it for you while we talk. I'd hate for you to get induction happy and make a mistake 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 voice dark and serious. The concluding affair she wanted was Harry overreacting to this situation, but she wasn't sure she had another option… she was unarmed and unlike Harry and Jacey, her additional powers lent her no protection. `` So, what do you desire to talk about ? '' She asked loud, trying to keep her voice low and calm.

'' Quite a few things actually. Why don't you take a seat ? '' He waved his verge, bringing the professor's death chair up behind her so quickly that she stumbled back into it. `` Incarcerous ! '' He shouted as she grabbed the arms of the chair in an attack to scramble to her groundwork. Before she knew what was happening, ropes 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. `` layover whatever this is now and I won't report you. ``

'' I just want to create sure you aren't going to run anywhere. '' He assured her, putting her wand in his pocket and pulling up another chair to sit in front of her. `` You and I, we may be capable to assist each former. ``

'' 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 profit from listening to what I have to say you. It might constitute you both see things in a entirely new light. '' Simon returned. `` I don't want to anguish you, I want to be your friend. ``

'' This isn't the outdo way to lay down admirer. '' She pulled against the bindings but they were tied tight. Her wrists began to burn as she continued to struggle, the skin becoming raw as it rubbed against the ropes… but she couldn't just fall in up.

'' And I apologize for the incommodiousness. '' He laughed, pulling out his trusty flask and taking a draught. `` But like I said, I want to make sure you really take heed to what I have to tell you without you making the error of cursing me first. ``

'' okay, well… you have my scepter and my undivided attention. What do consume to tell me ? '' She wanted to cry in foiling as she felt the rope on her left articulatio radiocarpea loosen slightly. She continued to struggle, trying not to cast focussing 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 ropes and she desperately kicked at him, trying to keep him away as she attempted to wrench her remaining wrist free. She could sense her skin scraping against the rough grain but she ignored it, continuing to struggle him off as she tried to free herself.

He finally gave up struggling with her and took a few stairs 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 professorship and let out a cryptic breath. `` Whew. You know, you're making this harder than it has to be. I'm not trying to hurt you, you know. You very much need to hear what I have to tell you. ``

'' So say it already ! '' She shouted angrily.

'' I will. '' He grinned and took another swig from his flask. `` I'm just waiting for Harry to get here. I figured I'd talk to you first but after the way you acted in Hogsmeade and how you are correct now, it's clear that you aren't quite as level-headed as I thought. And knowing that him and Hermione are a farce, I figured you'd be the best bait to keep him listening without bashing my nous in for confining you here. You did call for him to avail, didn't you ? ``

'' No. '' She said quickly.

'' Hmm, well I think you're lying. '' He got up and turned to look the room access as the knob began jiggling furiously. Simon lifted his wand in preparation, turning to look 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 room access. But she wasn't sure she was in time as she quickly turned her grimace away to debar the shower of woodwind, brick and sticking plaster that came flying forward as Harry forced his way through, too impatient to expect for the door to be opened.

( BREAK )

Hermione couldn't uncovering Harry anywhere. He'd run off so quickly that she'd lost him before she'd even begun to give chase. Hoping he would call if he needed help, she returned to her room and once to a greater extent facing pages out the map. Looking at the spot they'd marked as the island, she decided now was as good a time as any to try her new ability with astral projection. She wanted to be able to see Fred, even if she wasn't yet firm enough for him to see her back or for them to speak to each other.

Forcibly clearing her mind, she focused on the photos in Charlie's book… imagining herself on the island, on the beach, next to Fred. Closing her eyes, she began to feel weightless. Letting go of everything holding her down feather, she felt herself come liberate from her body and shoot through time and space. When she opened her eyes again, she was under the bright sun and had to squinch to pass water anything out. That was when she noticed she was see-through, as she was able-bodied to ask in the landscape through her arm. It was disconcerting, but the sight beyond herself made her clear that she had done it. She was far from Hogwarts and on an island… or at least her cognizance was.

'' Great. Now I'm seeing mirages. '' She heard someone grumbling behind her. Whipping around she cried out in easing, running towards Fred until she remembered that she wasn't able-bodied to tinge him. `` Fred ! It's really me ! I'm really here, variety of. '' She said happily, stopping just in front of him.

'' A talking mirage ? '' He smiled, still not quite sure what he was seeing.

She rolled her eyes. `` No moron, it's really me. I'd reach out and pinch you but I'm not sure how yet. ``

'' I don't understand… How is this possible ? '' He nervously glanced over his berm. `` Is it really you ? '' He whispered.

'' I promise. '' She assured him. `` I'm just sorry it took so yearn. But we know where you are now and we have a program to come get you… tomorrow. Can you make it one more day ? ``

He shook his head. `` I can't leave- ''

'' Yes you can, we've figured it all out ! '' She said happily wanting to explain as quickly as possible. `` I knew Elanya must give birth made you leave early and Luna forced herself to birth a vision. Draco scryed and now we can come get you ! You don't have to worry about the spy, we know who it is… prof Erebos. And in Luna's vision, she saw what Sarah planned for me, so I learned all about astral expulsion to protect myself. Lee and Willem made for sure there was absolutely nothing to tie you to Edmund… there's nothing for you to vex about anymore. ``

Fred hesitantly reached out, but his hand went right through her. He shook his head. `` I don't know. It can't be that easy. ``

'' It's not… Elanya may be just as practically a victim of the other miss'treachery as you are. She thinks she's their equalize but Harry, Luna and Jacey went in Erebos's pass and found the trueness. Either way it doesn't matter. We're coming for you tomorrow. She can stay and rot for all I care. ``

'' Fred ! '' They head Elanya call off in the distance.

'' You have to go, she can't see you here… if you're really here. '' He grinned, obviously trying to put her at comfort. But she saw the discomfort he tried to hide and wanted to aim him with her right that moment. quite than result completely, she glided over to the trees to watch.

'' Here you are. I thought I heard voices. '' Elanya exclaimed, looking exotic with her untamed hair, rich tan and flowing strapless dress.

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked.

'' So what, you were here talking to yourself ? You'd rather talk of the town to no one than me ? '' She asked indignantly.

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked again, clearly ignoring everything the young woman had to say.

'' You know, we're supposed to be using this time to get to know each other… you're self-will is really starting to spend a penny me off. '' She glared at him, clearly having reached the end of her rope. `` I didn't want to have to fall back to threats again, I was so hoping this would be a pleasant halt. But you adept say something when I'm done talking and it had better be something other than `` When are we leaving '' or I swear everyone you care for will suffer for the aggravation you're causing me. ``

Fred looked incertain, clearly wanting to continue pushing her button. Plus if he chose to believe his own heart and ears, Hermione had just told him that everyone he cared about was safe. `` How long will we be staying here ? '' He asked at lastly, unable to keep back his grinning as he challenged her. Hermione could realise the sick amusement he was getting out of this… after all, she probably would have lost her mind 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 take for you to show your true color. I mean you get a piffling annoy and right-hand away you're back to threatening ingenuous bystanders. ``

'' It seems the best way to get what I want. '' She grinned triumphantly as he at conclusion broke the semi-silence he seemed to have been keeping.

Hermione felt a strong tug and knew her trunk 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 total body bouncing as she reentered it. Opening her eyes, she adjusted to the intuitive feeling of being unanimous once more. She felt dizzy, her psyche hurt and her stomach was growling in thirstiness. She felt she'd just walked for days without stopping to rest or eat, she was exhausted and every office of her was sore.

Taking a moment to relax, she collected herself before carefully rising from her bed. Looking at the clock, she saw that she'd come back just in time for lunch and feeling deep hunger pain in the ass, she rushed down to the Great Hall hoping Harry and Luna were there so she could say them what she'd just done. But as she entered the room, she realized at once that something was wrong. Only Hagrid and Charlie remained at the forefront tabular array to chaperon the students'meal while her classmate all talked excitedly to themselves, some of them looking at her and raising a manus to whisper with more inflammation. Taking a seat across from Ginny and Draco she looked at them inquisitively. `` What's going on ? ``

'' No one knows for sure… but rumor is, potter severely damaged a classroom before disappearing with Luna and Simon McKinney. '' genus Draco replied, looking more than a little worried.

'' What ? What do mean they disappeared ? '' She demanded.

He shrugged and Ginny took up the story. `` All anyone seems to know is that there was a flash noise and when the Ravenclaw prefect went to inquire she saw Harry standing in the classroom with St. Simon while Luna sat in a chairperson in the cover. She didn't get too good a aspect because suddenly the two boys started dueling and she went to get assist. By the time they came back, everyone was gone. ``

'' It seems Tristan has disappeared as well. '' Dragon added. `` The Aurors came to hold back 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 fellow member. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn't good.

( breach )

Dumbledore had shown up unexpectedly at Tristan's room access less than an hour ago to stimulate it be intimate that the Aurors had finally secured their catch indorsement and would be around shortly to take the vampire into custody. Jacey listened as she was warned as Tristan not to run, since charms had been placed around the school meant to find the vampire hominoid species specifically. She had not let herself panic… she, Harry and Luna had planned for this. Having discovered that not only were they capable of apparating within the barrier but also that the Aurors could not retrace them, it had been decided that when it was clock time she would apparate to the screaming shack. She would let the potion wear off and then remain there until it was time to go to London. Having grabbed the few things she owned, she had concentrated hard as Luna had taught her. And then she had felt a clout and when she opened her eyes again she was in the parlor of the screech Shack.

Now looking around at the depressing décor, Jacey thought the plaza in desperate motive of a sprucing up. She wondered if the Aurors had come yet and whether anyone realized Tristan was gone. Flopping down on the sofa with a suspiration, she silently called out to Harry, letting him know that she had fled Hogwarts and wondering whether she was too far for him to hear.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. Was his panicked reply.

She sat up in alarm. Apparently Hogwarts was still very much within their range. What do you want me to do ?

Hide. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He simply replied.

( geological fault )

Harry stalked his way quickly through the Granville Stanley Hall, focusing in on Luna's vigor to guide him to where she was. Ignoring the few student down the hall from him, he desperately tried to turn the handle of the classroom room access. It wouldn't Budge. He knew this was the right space, that she was behind that threshold and he certainly wasn't going to let a stupid person piece of forest stall in his way. Taking a stride back, he focused his business leader, 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 warn him just as the wood shattered inward, exploding off it'hinges and taking component part of the wall with it. Ignoring the screams from down the hall, he raised his wand and entered the classroom

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Simon shouted, forcing Harry to shield powerful away. But he'd heard Luna's word of advice and had been prepared. Simon fired go after spell at him while he focused on his shield and waited for the right moment. Pushing his idea out, he grabbed appreciation of the other boy and whipped him back against the wall. Stepping through the junk, Harry waved his wand in an endeavor to bind Paul Simon in place, but he quickly shielded as he rolled to his feet and ducked behind the chair Harry now realized Luna was tied to. `` I just want to babble ! '' Simon the Canaanite called as he crouched behind Luna, tightly clutching her so that he wouldn't use his mind to throw him around again.

'' You have a funny way of showing it. '' Harry replied angrily. Are you okay ? He thought out to Luna who was even now still attempting to rend herself free.

Yeah. He hasn't done anything early than not let me leave… he keeps saying there's something he needs to tell us. She replied, her vocalisation carrying more anger and curiosity than fear now.

'' I know what you both think of me now that you know I'm related to Elise ! '' Herbert Alexander Simon reasoned, poking his pass 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 oneself each early Harry. ``

'' So help out now by untying her. '' He carefully replied, keeping his wand up in subject the boy decided to restart their duel.

'' I can't do that until I'm sure you aren't going to hurt me. ``

Harry, I'm at the screaming hovel. The Aurors were coming for Tristram so I followed through on our program. Jacey's voice entered his heading unexpectedly. Hearing footsteps running down the manse, Harry made a fast decision.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. He told Jacey in a panic.

What do you 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… people are coming to see what's going on. Shall we go somewhere more private ? '' He asked quickly.

'' Like where ? ``

'' Touch my shoulder and I'll bring you there. '' Luna told him, having picked up on Harry's plan. Now able to try people shouting in the hall, Neil Simon was forced to trust them and reached out to snaffle her articulatio humeri. Together Harry and Luna apparated away, only to arrive in the apparently empty Shrieking hut. To his disappointment, the hot seat and ropes had come as well, leaving her bound as Simon's human shield.

'' This is all so unnecessary. '' Harry angrily told the other boy. `` I don't know what kind of people you grew up around, but if you had come to us and asked to talk, we would suffer heard you out… you didn't need to trick us into it. ``

'' That's dubitable considering I've overheard Luna talking to Hermione about the imaginativeness she's had of me. '' Simon returned before moving his tending to Luna in echt confusion. `` I have no idea why you see me as an foeman in those imaginativeness, 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 persist calm and he felt guilty that it had fallen to her when she was the one currently tied up with blood trickling from her wrists where the roofy had cut into her skin. He caught sight of Jacey as she slowly crept in from the hall.

Simon looked at Luna for a moment before nodding to himself. `` It had to be that way, it's the only if way to get anyone's attention… with a big gesture. That's what my father always said, before he was killed. And it's certainly worked for Elise. ``

'' We aren't like the people you know. We're uncoerced to mind. 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 head that wasn't yet clear to Harry.

Herbert Alexander Simon stood and took a few stair to the side, unsure whether he felt the state of affairs was enough in his control to actually let her go. Harry wasn't going to contribute him the opportunity to gain the unseasonable choice. He silently gave Jacey the signal and she stepped out, drawing Marvin Neil Simon's care as glob of flak erupted from her custody. He threw up a shield as she flung the first bolide at him before attempting to hit her back with a water while. Taking advantage of the boy's misdirection, Harry quickly waved his wand to unmake the forget me drug and lunged forward, grabbing Luna's hand and pulling her out of the way just as the hot seat burst into flaming. Simon Zelotes fell back on the couch as he stumbled away from the sudden flare, not wanting to get burned.

Harry whipped around and instantly shot a binding enchantment, ensuring the early boy wouldn't motility. Leaping to his feet, he made his way over to the couch. Jacey extinguished her fire, waving her wand to put out the spot of the star sign that had caught on fire. `` seminal fluid on Simon, time to support to Hogwarts and face the music. '' Harry insisted.

'' No ! '' Luna came over and placed a blood-soaked bridge player on his arm, forcing him to lower his wand. `` I want to try what he has to say. ``



preeminence : okay then, adjacent chapter we find out what Herbert A. Simon has to say and the clues finally lead us to rescuing Fred.


Chapter 54 : Who to believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the postponement in getting this out, I had an stroke with my flash drive and everything on it was deleted including the first draft of this chapter. But things are on track now, so getting back in the baseball swing of affair, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, review 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 hall to the cold bathroom, Luna perched on the edge of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny console. At last he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out netting and tape before reaching out to work the faucet on the swallow hole. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty colouration at first-class honours degree that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the origin from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her skillful not to wince or let on that the slash stung like looney. After all, she was the one who let her scare overwhelm her to the point where she'd struggled so violently against the circle. Simon hadn't seemed at all purport on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to pass rather than fight her bindings to the breaker 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 showtime office. Harry argued with her thoughts as he leaned down to kiss her now freshly bandaged wrists.

well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to separate us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her fingers through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to calm down down and realize the motivation to fight was over, to suffer an open mind and really listen to what Simon had to say. Her imaginativeness was becoming clearer to her now that she been capable to mouse a few peeks into the boy's mind. He was out to denounce his sister before she could cuckold him and apparently the victor of their little 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 head. But they obviously needed the hale story and Simon seemed willing to bring home the bacon it.

Together they walked back into the sitting room and Luna was relieved to find oneself that Jacey was back to being herself as the potion had completely worn off. If Simon was alarmed by the fact that a unknown 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 comfortable to say now that you've been caught. '' Harry muttered, glaring at the boy as he slumped down on the other couch. `` So ? Let's hear it, what's this big revelation you have to percentage with us ? ``

'' Can't you undo the binding spell ? I promise I'll just sit here, I won't do anything. '' Simon the Canaanite pleaded.

'' Your discussion doesn't mean much to me at the instant. '' Harry returned, refusing to release the spell.

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

'' Just tell us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her regard on Simon Zelotes. She pushed the feelings she wanted to fancy outward and watched as both boys visibly relaxed, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the sole one aware of this little extra power 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 best way to make your full stop. '' Harry crossed his arm, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the effects she was trying to broadcast around the room.

'' Big gestures are the only way to get people to listen. '' Simon said quietly repeated himself from in the beginning. `` Like I said, that philosophy worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these old age. I wasn't going to hurt either of you… I needed you both there and so I figured I could use Luna to keep open 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 heedlessness 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 ft in indignation… she knew they all had to remain rational and sort through this, it was important.

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

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

'' You can intrust that one or all of us will cognise whether you're telling the truth. '' Luna quietly assured him.

St. 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 image it out… so that you would research his head and feel the remembering of her asking him to set up Elanya. She knows about your world power 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 mind about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to obtain out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very deliberate to keep you and other visitant a secret from those prof he doesn't trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no idea about you though they'd very much like to obtain out. ``

'' You don't need to worry about her or who she is. '' Harry said, noting to Luna and Jacey that they had to be heedful not to say her name in nominal head of the boy. `` Just enjoin us why you've apparently decided to turn on your sister. ``

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life sentence. '' Neil Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a year old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to quit fighting and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to bolt down them. Elise was sixteen at the time and the but bread and butter family I had. Rather than take care of me, she decided to ditch me at the orphanage, but she would at to the lowest degree come visit every twelvemonth on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to involve 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 regulate me into someone 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 name 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 public. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was blanched. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would 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 nix she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

Simon shook his head and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a varsity letter the lastly week of school this past summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the minute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the caravan station so I went nursing home and nose up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the nighttime Lord into thinking it was his idea to find oneself Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her state him that she planned to down me as I was going to prove more useful to them bushed. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrorize of my sister in that here and now than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scarey, the steel or the proficient hand wielding it ? And she knows how to encounter him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to follow her orders hoping she would exchange her intellect. But she didn't because a few daytime before I was supposed to come back to school day I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to vote out me while I'm home for the holiday rupture and make it look like someone else did it. My own sister was going to stamp out me and use my corpse to pop out a fight. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just bring me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the people involved in this unharmed outline would believe the long ridiculous storey I have to distinguish ? So the solely affair I could do was peril her to the mass she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was right about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a proficient guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the best means of survival, I have no idea either way. I may not the happiest someone in the humankind, but I'm not ready to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to know about her and her programme. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's headspring, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an important motion in price of Fred's circumstances. She was trying not to understand with Simon, but he seemed to feature gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found unsettling and so that allowed her to sustain some sort of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A hanker while ago, after your grouping and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the disarray and looked up the Indian file on every John R. Major musician on either slope. Using that information, she was capable to figure out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would react in any billet. Originally we went to Australia this summer to find a guy named Robert Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a little pub where he liked to write his articles but we never even talked to him… it was like the minute she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her grandmother who had recently passed away and when those two girls met it was same circumstances had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to treat Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't matter whether it was Elanya or that go guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's part in all of this… but clearly a Pres Young pretty young lady would gain more understanding. The item 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 opine she'd been set up and blackmailed the same way they'd done it to your friend Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob story so that he'll take her position and help talk you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a mole, to learn all the mystery about you that they didn't already know. And then Elanya was supposed to start out causing discordance among you all to weaken you and shit it more probable that you and Harry will abandon your confederation to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're locution is basically that they want to make their own Army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his voice heavy with doubt as he tried to obliterate the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's repulsion at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her hands on Adam, another coven penis. She knew it was important that they leave as soon as possible to set about approaching multitude themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

'' Yes, as ludicrous as that sounds. Why do you remember I thought no one else would believe me ? But she wants the both of you to unite her and Sarah… and she has big plan to use your friend Fred to do it. ``

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

Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can become whatever she has to be in order to convince someone of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been able to take in Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to defy them ? ``

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

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

( open frame )

Fred had skipped out on tiffin and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in hope of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was literal anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his mind or in real life, one matter had become clear… he couldn't stay here anymore. No thing what, this was going to be his hold up night on the island. Should Hermione's bearing prove to be a delusion and no one came for him, then he would find his own way out and go to her. He knew he couldn't apparate, he'd already tried and discovered that like Castellumshire, the Gateway Islands also carried anti-apparation appeal and the sole multitude he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A scrumptious scent wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling stomach to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able to decide that while it was well past tense tiffin, it was still too other for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meals that day and cooked such expectant smelling food for a rationality. He was tempted to go into the water system to catch a fish to fry just to knock over her architectural plan but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the camping site, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was to a greater extent than open of providing for himself, but at the moment he was too hungry to wait long enough to catch and cook his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no affair what, this was his last night here… what could it hurt to expend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were outside. With a heavy suspiration, he opened the fuss of the average looking tent and entered the impossibly spacious glamor of the inside. `` well, I guess it's true what they say… the fastest way to a man's gist is through his belly. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the sexually attractive spread on the ornate table as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

'' Whatever you say. '' He muttered, sitting as far from her as he could before beginning to pile his plate. `` Thanks. '' He said without looking at her, too well trained by molly to be completely rude. They ate in silence and he could feel her becoming get at, it only made him more comfortable.

'' well, I've decided that in the stake of continuing a cultivated conversation we will wreak a game of sorts. '' She announced after a curt while.

'' Boy, it sure is easier not to have to conceive for myself… I wish person had been making my decisiveness for me my whole life. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm offering you a one in a million luck to read me undecomposed. ``

'' Who says I want to ? ``

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

'' Humor can be a great 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 matter he'd like her to crystallize up for him, but how could he rely anything she said ? The sole way was to test her by throwing in questions he already knew the answer to. `` Okay, I'll meet your little game. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go summarise my solitary walk. ``

'' Fair enough. '' She rested her Kuki-Chin on her hand and stared at him expectantly, wearing a genuine smiling that reached all the way to her golden eyes. `` So ? ``

'' Why are you doing this to me ? '' He blurted without thinking it through. It was the affair that was most on his mind and so the question had burst out of him before he could really contrive 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 touch of sadness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoner right now, so why not make our cage the serious it can be- a beautiful island heaven ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in guild to manipulate his next doubtfulness. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to lecture about and was in the outgrowth 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 control my future alliance and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her eyes to hide the instant of superfluity that passed through them.

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

Elanya sighed and shook her nous. `` I've always considered myself to be somewhat clever… I'm sure you used to think the Same about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the last few months with the grand scheme they've wrapped around us. ``

'' The remainder being that you helped them do it to me. '' He said angrily, brushing off her attempt to get him to empathize with her.

'' Only because I had no selection ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to take you away while they set up matter in London I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the truth, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even close to coming up even for the assistance they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

Pushing his plate aside, Fred leaned forward on the table and decided it was time for him to wrench the conversation his way so that he could prove her honesty. `` And what did you remember you had already done to rejoin them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to recite him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her estimation in the initiative place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long history together and bringing him into things had always been a part of her design. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so measured, making sure I would go into this not owing anyone anything. ``

'' Who's the spy ? '' He pushed, already knowing the answer… that is if Hermione's abbreviated visit hadn't been some sort of delusional mirage.

Elanya met his center and offered a sad smiling. `` Well, what can it offend ? It's not like you'll be able to warn anyone back at Hogwarts. It's prof Dolos Erebos. ``

He made sure to show an appropriate amount of surprise, letting his eyes widen and his jaw drop slightly as if this was the first 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 rarify measures ? '' Fred was almost sure she was telling the Truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in worry and now the lady friend was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the berth to his advantage and learn as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can construct their own property in this war and that if they have the right kind of the great unwashed on their side they'll be able to necessitate on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her head angrily. `` I was appalled to teach that Voldemort's idea to take in a psychic army was actually Elise's inspiration. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to make allies of the citizenry he gathered, to get them to ferment towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry Potter too. At first Elise and Sarah didn't care who lived or died in battle while they quietly plotted their own rising. But when Harry started showing his potential difference and they learned Luna Lovegood was a oracle, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your shop in Diagon Alley during the summer. ``

He sat up, suddenly extremely interested. He'd been wondering for a long clip the real grounds Elise had targeted his depot. `` What do you mean ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a flavor of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as estimable as Luna seems to be. But that didn't matter to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to give his ultimate loyalty to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a vision that something was going to bring Harry to Diagon Alley alone and that Voldemort was going to make his move against the boy. She worried about the outcome as she wanted Harry on her face, working with Sarah specifically since they portion the same power… of course, 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 expanse. After all, the minister would be sure to respond in full force to a report of arson at his son's fund. ``

He took a steadying breath, trying to look on the bright English as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon alley alone that day to front Voldemort, his Death eater and the Dementors, there's no way he could take survived. At least Elise's end had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd lots 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 line he hadn't read anything about it, but he recalled Hermione telling him about it during one of their closed book conversations.

'' There was nothing mysterious about it. Jasper made the same error I did by thinking he was an equal in their plans. I guess he was scared enough to want to tell someone about his vision, but he chose the damage people. He saw his own Death though not the hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your champion 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 chance. Sarah may not suffer a verge, but she has mastered many former accomplishment, first and foremost her stellar projection. They decided to kill him so that she could merge with his consciousness and commit herself in his piazza when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must accept seen something and stopped her friends from using the ring. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily contract rid of Jasper. ``

Fred's mind was reeling. So many matter were coming together now, it was inconceivable that she wasn't telling him the truth. But his instinct were screaming at him that something deeper was going on. `` Why are you telling me all of this ? ``

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

'' You made yourself a dupe. '' He stated firmly, once more determined to continue himself from empathizing with her. He remembered her once telling him that the skillful 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 smorgasbord of disgrace, sorrow and wrath settee over her features. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't service himself, he had to have intercourse. `` If you were so engrossed on killing your Father-God, 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 fundament and began pacing in upheaval. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the solitary one who wanted him absolutely and he made sure that it was nearly unacceptable to get to him. I was scared to use my true identicalness as his daughter to get to out to him… I knew that my mother had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to bridge player me over to Voldemort in a ceaseless pursuance to gain party favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became crystalise that my real gens was going to be the only thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed somebody solid funding me up in sheath something went ill-timed. ``

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

'' It was only after the deed was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become jealous of the attention Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his best to undermine them. They figured there was too good a chance he'd form out some part 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 Day with her… I was in a vulnerable piazza and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the thing I'd been wanting for years. ``

Fred had been thrifty during the whole conversation, wanting to piece up on any signs of knavery. For the first of all time he found one… her vox had gone up slightly in loudness. It could be due to her amass fervour as she recalled these result, but he had the nagging tone that matter hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join military unit ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these questions and expect any kind of resolution. His only promise was to go on and hope he could tack it all together himself. `` Do you repent killing your Fatherhood ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to look him straight in the eye. `` Not for a individual moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to back out of this whole thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a piece of kidnapping you… Elise made it very clear that despite the off-key evidence I left at the scene, she could very easily tie me to my founder's death. I have no incertitude that she would direct me to Azkaban without a secondly opinion. So I had to opt, a poky cell locked away with the giant star or stranded on an island with you. I took the safe go punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would have had to take a shit that option. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to admit himself to be like all the other hoi polloi she'd been able to roll around her digit, he'd always been determined to be secure than that from the first gear moment she'd walked into his shop class. `` You're probably right… We'll never know though will we ? ``

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

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

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

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

She slowly walked over to angle on the border of the board in front of him. `` You know, there's only two reasons you won't reply. Either you do detest me but you're too very much of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're more than willing to secern 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 accept it for some mysterious reason. ``

He leaned back in his chairwoman and crossed his arms as he regarded her with sham assurance. `` Or I've simply decided it's best not to go through life hating anyone. Of course of study, I could always make up an exception if you'd care to force the return. ``

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

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

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

Fred looked around feeling completely off guard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to believe that she had affair to obscure from him here. But clearly her defeat with his lack of gullibility had caused an oversight on her behalf and he knew he needed to take in advantage of it. He raced to her elbow room, pulling back the flap that separated the space from the eternal sleep of the tent and taking a casual feel 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 make out across a communication device of some kind… or even better, his scepter. After a farseeing and thorough search, he came up with neither.

( recess )

Harry stared at Herbert A. Simon, trying to find out exactly what he thought of the former boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extreme point the guy had gone through in order to have a simple conversation. But then, had Marvin Neil Simon been right ? Would they have listened had he simply approached them and asked to talk ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his ire and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't parting of the plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a step further and send in the goof ? Surely she didn't expect them to admit Simon seriously even if they did make out 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 look 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 affair so that I would follow public lecture to you, I just don't know… anything is potential with her. ``

'' So as far as you know, Elise's whole plan is to garner as many psychics as she can and then fight both sides of the war, hoping to come out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far to a greater extent control over herself than Harry could superintend. But he tried to remain serene, to commemorate that they needed to acknowledge what they were up against… she still had her hand on his arm, trying in vain to facilitate him be successful in relaxing though he could feel her self-consciousness at what she was hearing.

'' It's part of her plan. '' Simon the Zealot seemed a bit changeable for the firstly time since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be able to at least stop her doing me in. And yes, I really consider 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 honorable seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped spoil hers and Sarah's plans a few times. She was trying to help Voldemort capture you, though she had no intention of handing you over… she wants to win over you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd want you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your miserable Sister. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a sizeable fireball between them. She lifted it over her head word and brought it down, engulfing her entire physical structure in flames as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more powerful. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no denotation that anything out of the ordinary had just transpired.

Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sister do something like that before. `` commodity. '' He said at last. `` person should be. They already knew Harry was warm than Sarah, that's why they had to create certain he lost his big businessman 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 kill me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Neil 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 great deal of things he didn't know about the things that had been happening to him, his booster and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling various different twine for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to work for them long before then. '' Neil Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decisiveness was going to lead you to the prison and right in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the night God Almighty conceive it was his mind to use Sarah's natural endowment to try and take you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get aid in clip to economise your life but not your power. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly bolt down us at my aunt and uncle's firm. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantom hurting he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye, he remembered her typeface covered in bloodline after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to keep Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to join her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that Nox came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the solitary problem Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the woman is more than than a little unbalanced. She was only supposed to excruciate you, it was your muggle syndicate she was supposed to pour down in front of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those people she was forced to hold up with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as weaker than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to join them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the hospital and woke her from the coma. Trust me, Elise let her consume it for deviating from the design and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost restraint 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 antecedence above all else, including her safety as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to get her for a shortly time as well as get your world power back, she no longer thinks you're weak. ``

'' I'm flattered. '' Harry said sarcastically.

'' Does she roll in the hay that we went into her memories while she was unconscious mind ? '' Luna asked, squeezing his arm as concern overwhelmed her.

But Simon stared back at her in surprisal, allowing them to instantly slack up. `` No, not that I'm aware of. I certainly had no approximation you'd done that… what did you see ? ``

'' Do not worry about that, we will be the ones to ask the questions. '' Jacey said with authority.

'' What about Cho ? Where does she fit into all of this ? '' Harry picked up where they'd just left off, thinking that what they had seen in Sarah's drumhead at least confirmed that the young woman 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 blank space long before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to talk Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the girl would be worthful again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My dead reckoning is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will find the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are close confidant doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own schedule. Loyalty means zippo to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the patch holding him in post. `` Will you let me go now ? Please ? '' He pleaded.

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

'' amercement. '' He waved his wand and released the other boy from the binding.

Simon Zelotes leapt to his feet to quickly stretch along before eagerly reaching into his air hole and pulling out his flaskful from which he took a yearn draft. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his backtalk with his sleeve. After another draft he seemed less shaky and nervous.

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

'' I will be just hunky-dory. '' She assured him with an easy smile.

'' What are you going to evidence them about me ? '' Simon asked, suddenly scared again. `` I never intended it to turn out this way ! I was going to unlock the door, I didn't mean for you to actually damage the school ! ``

'' Yeah, this is all my geological fault. '' Harry rolled his eyes. `` Just keep your mouth shut when we get back there and let me do all the talking. '' He reached out and roughly grabbed the boy's arm before apparating back to Hogwarts with Luna a few moment behind them. They were sure to go far behind Hagrid's hut where the opportunity of being seen were very slim.

Silently, they all three made their way up to the castle, running into Hermione in the courtyard. `` Where have you been ? And what are you doing with him ? '' She demanded, eyeing Simon suspiciously.

'' It's a tenacious story, Mione. '' Harry sighed. `` We'll tell you after we deal with Dumbledore. ``

She nodded and led the way through the halls to the schoolmaster's office. `` Just so you're cognizant, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left-hand school curtilage. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the view of a good scholar would dampen the old wizard's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Marvin Neil Simon. ``

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

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

'' I have no doubt that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice quivering as he tried to hide his anger. `` Why would you do this Harry, when you're so close to being done here ? This isn't something I can cover up for you. ``

'' So don't. I'll go fix it. ``

He shook his head. `` It's not that bare. Like the ministry and certain other buildings, magic isn't decent to revivify the damage. It must be rebuilt by mitt to conserve the forcefulness of the appeal we place upon our school. And even if you did fix it, my work force are tied in compliments to how we can plow this, especially after I've pushed so heavily to induce the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having young lady Patil, Mr. stonemason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the wipeout Cho Changjiang caused last year, and after all the cumulative trouble that has been caused… I have no choice but to expel you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable action, effective immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe damage to one of our classroom and then you all left shoal footing in direct encroachment of the code of conduct. I have to exact this activeness before the less reliable of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escape and attempt to take you all into custody for questioning. Should that materialise, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able to see that you get into the properly hands. '' Dumbledore seemed to slump down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a pissed place and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

'' But wouldn't it be better to witness a way to keep us here ? The Aurors and anyone else could still fare after us once we leave, but if we're here then we're more saved. '' Luna argued.

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too easy for them to accuse me of favoritism and things are too fragile right now. The fragile thing could give them the exculpation to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in place as Headmaster. As you saw last time, there are too many impressible new minds here to give up that to pass off. I refuse to let this school suit a grooming ground for the next wave of last Eaters. Everyone must be free to take the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our time to come ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore ineffectual to grasp the motive to keep thing a sure way so that the power didn't sack in the enemy's favor.

Suddenly the part threshold swung open behind them and Lupin came rushing in. `` intercept ! It's not their demerit, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really have a bun in the oven anyone to trust that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

'' Does it weigh as long as there's someone to blame ? '' He pressed. `` Tell them whatever you want… tell them that the kids were working on a labor for me and things went wrong. They left the school to 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 tarradiddle should be dear 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 incrimination for the destruction to the classroom, if you insist these students only left schooltime to cover up for you… then I'll have no choice but to terminate your employ here. ``

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

lupine reached out to grab his shoulder, using his considerable strength to push Harry back into his chair. `` I understand the aftermath. 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 have you goal schooling. I can't just let you screw it up with two weeks to go. He answered with a grin. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his breathing time and glanced at Luna and Simon out of the turning point of his eye and realized Lupin wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt shamed that his nervy action may cause them to lose out on their education. Letting out the breath slowly, he turned to look at the erstwhile magician, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his time studying Lupin before at finale 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-bodied to finish up out the net two workweek of this semester, as it will be unimaginable to replace you on such short notice. It's been a pleasure to consume you here. ``

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' lupine assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the role before the schoolmaster could switch his brain. Simon tried to break up off from the group as soon as they were in the hallway but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few thing to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to Lupin's office, though the sure-enough man was the simply one who seemed to be in a serious mood.

'' Are you sure about this ? '' Harry asked as soon as Lupin 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 teaching, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many things happening out in the domain. And with you and Draco leaving, there's really nothing to keep me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the strain when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the mighty thing to do. ``

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

Lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to live with other the great unwashed's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in good standing with the people who know me, that's all that matters. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a roll of white sheepskin and a fresh quill feather. `` Besides if I were to stay here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the first gear time he'd helped get them out of their own mess. `` Plus Draco is going to need counseling in navigating life out in the real creation where people don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to feature a ground to leave behind my stance early. The fact that it helps you tyke 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 glad I get to come back. '' He added quickly when he saw the public eye Harry had shot him for speaking at all.

lupine nodded and smiled. `` Think nothing of it. ``

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

'' What happened to you ? '' lupine 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 feet. `` Just a slight accident caused by a simple misapprehension. '' She said at last, lowering her weapon and pulling the hems of her sleeve down.

'' I see. '' He shook his question and sighed. `` To answer your in the first place musing… no one would heed if you tried to explicate what really happened. It's a looseness for index out there and no one is worry in the truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would take a pupil's give-and-take on anything when they barely trust what the professors and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but on-key fact that adding your epithet to anything will instantly make it more complicate. But don't let it disoblige you, having opposition only means that you've stood up for something important. '' lupine answered with a patrician smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must pen to my wife and inform her that we are soon to become a one income household for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just have to contract you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The Mary Leontyne Price of rent is ridiculous these Day. ``

Leaving him to write his missive, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry grabbed Simon up by the strawman of his robe and shoved him back against the wall. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your sister won't have the chance to bump off you because she'll never find your organic structure. '' He threatened, wanting to scare the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

'' I promise I'm not setting you up ! '' He instantly replied, his centre panoptic and his heart banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in close 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 state someone, amount straight to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other Quaker would certainly be the grown mistake you'll ever make in your life history. ``

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

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

She looked at him a consequence before nodding slowly. `` Okay. '' She said quietly.

'' I know you're mad at me… '' He began pacing, feeling all of the energy and adrenaline he'd been building up since she'd first called out to him set about to ripple over as it tried to find some way to escape.

'' Of grade I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very strange day and I'm still trying to process it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the border of the bed as she watched him take the air around the way, 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 background. He took several deep breathing time before turning back to her. `` But you really are okeh, right ? ``

'' I'm fine, just a bit troubled by what we've learned. '' She gently assured him. `` I guess it's even more authoritative that we go get Fred before Elanya has the prospect to win over him that her version of events is the trueness. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Marvin Neil Simon was telling us his version of the accuracy and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole architectural 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 foreland is dependable ? Maybe they did eff we'd figure out who the spy was and that we'd want to look in his head… what if they used Simon to circulate around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to trust ? ``

'' Well, if that's the sheath then it seems to consume worked, at to the lowest degree on you. '' She pointed out, smiling as he stared at her in dead disarray. `` Personally, I think I believe him even though there's something about him that unsettles me… but despite that, I truly think Elanya is very much working with Elise and Sarah. ``

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

'' I think that's the dependable for us… to sham she and Simon both are the enemy until they can definitively bear witness otherwise. '' She stood and came over to wrap her munition around his waist and hug herself against him.

He kissed the top of her pass and returned the embrace. `` I have no job with that. ``

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

Sure enough an repetitive 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 the Zealot had told them and what they'd concluded as a event. `` You're sure Elanya isn't being set up ? '' She asked, her face going White River as she began to panic.

'' Almost completely positive, what's wrong ? '' Luna went over to lead Hermione to a chair.

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

'' You talked to Fred ? Did you let him know we were coming to get him ? '' Harry asked, kneeling succeeding to her and taking her hand in comfort.

'' Yes, but I also told him everything else ! I wanted to assure him that we'd taken care of everything so he could exit without worrying… including that we knew who the spy was ! I told him that you guys found out that Elanya was a victim of Elise and Sarah's plots too… he thinks she isn't the opposition ! ``

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her fundament and turned to them in torture. `` She's making him peach to her now ! He'd been refusing this whole clock time but I saw her menace to institutionalise Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't start speaking to her. Don't you see ? I led him to believe that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his guard down ? What if she's able-bodied to win over him to believe her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every significance of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head word. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( happy chance )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his entire bed roll and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and built a small fervor, silently thanking his Fatherhood for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. indisputable it was the more difficult way to do thing, but at last his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all things muggle had paid off. Once certainly the blaze had caught, he lay back to look at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her base on balls and the prospicient she was gone the more sealed he was that he didn't want to be there when she did record up.

She'd told him so many affair and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too much sense not to be on-key. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him things that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it matter ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no free bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to pop her begetter, the other little girl wouldn't have had anything to entice her into accepting their offer. On the former hand, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to down the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the honest saving grace of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to condition with the fact that his niece had killed his buddy and was still willing to reach out to the girl as it was straighten out even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to estimate her ?

Clearly he didn't think as badly of her as he'd thought anyway… why else wouldn't he have just told her hated her ? It was the one thing that bothered him more than anything else. She'd been right in saying that he had no problem telling people that he didn't like them, so why couldn't he just say it ? Annoyingly she had picked up on the exclusively reason… because he didn't hate her. But so what ? Not hating somebody wasn't exactly the Lapplander as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't faith her as far as he could flip her, but then, did that issue either ?

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

He sat up and whipped around to find Elanya standing in the trees as if his thoughts of her had forced her to materialise there. Her fuzz and dress were dancing softly in the slight breeze and her eyes glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` fountainhead, aren't you the observing one. '' He said sarcastically.

'' I'm sorry I walked out on you to begin with. '' She said, taking a few hesitant footfall towards him.

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

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

'' Sleep wherever you want, what do I deal ? '' Fred made certainly to voice devil, hoping that if she did log Z's on the beach, she would take to do it far from him. He heard her diffused footsteps as she glided through the gumption and then felt her endeavor to climb under the blanket with him. He sat straight up and shin away from her as he got to his infantry. `` What the blaze do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' Fine, take my stuff, it's all yours. I want to go for a drown anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water system, repeating Hermione's name over and over in his nous lest he leave 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 turn of other dangerous things and you'd never see them coming ! ``

Despite the true concern for his safe that he heard in her spokesperson, he ignored her and walked straight into the water fully dressed. He continued on until his human foot could just barely touch the bottom of the inning before deciding that was far adequate to deter her from following him. Turning, he began swimming parallel with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his mitt in front of him and realized that is was more than the utilisation that was making his heart slipstream. It was very wickedness out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an subaqueous attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the sandlike 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 drop one more day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to block what was veridical and it was becoming more difficult not to fall into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his understructure, he brushed off as much moxie as he could and made his way into the trees to look for some kind of shelter. Coming to the base of the tallest flock, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a plaza to catch some Z's before gathering enough forest to start a fire to keep him affectionate. Once again he silently thanked his Church Father while hoping that he would get the fortune to thank him in individual very soon.

( BREAK )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not sleep with the exact details 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 birth to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simple really, while the prof and near of the bookman were down at the quidditch auction pitch enjoying the biz between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and Granger were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to form sure as shooting neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to keep them both away from Professor Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than willing to hurt someone.

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

'' I don't want to go watch that stupid game today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to clutch to her body. `` I don't want to be a component of anything to do with Ron at the moment. ``

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

'' It's been almost a week ! '' She was clearly queer and had her pillow been Ron's neck, she'd have already squeezed the aliveness out of him. `` I just can't trust he hasn't come around to apologize to everyone for what he said. ``

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

'' fountainhead, thank you Healer Dragon, the psychological science Boy Wonder ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so practically, I'll only tutelage you half my normal rates for the splendid wisdom I have to bestow. '' He teased, quickly moving to overtake the pillow she whipped at him.

'' Well from now on you can keep your two galleons to yourself because your Wisdom isn't even worth half that ! '' She taunted back, laughing as he ran over to return the pillow assault. She scrambled to snaffle 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 laughter, he tried his best to return the attempt. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to worm it away from her so that he would be in will power of all the plush ammo.

A knock on the room access interrupted their battle and they both looked at each early 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 get fellowship. ``

He leaned down to kiss her before quickly swinging his pillow one last clip, jumping off the bed with a wicked grin as he avoided her proceeds violation. He opened the door and instantly tensed having already been warned that the person on the former face 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 incompatible for young lady Weasley to birth a male visitor this early ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit inappropriate for a male teacher to come unsupervised to a distaff scholar's room this early ? Especially one who already has a swarm of intuition around his gens ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the professor's relationship to Elise McKinney.

'' I've come with a subject matter from the headmaster. '' Erebos answered defensively. `` Not that I owe an explanation to any student. ``

'' Well, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her way all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking tutelage of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a small growl to escape his throat lest the man leave what exactly he was. `` You can gift me the message, I'll be sure she gets it. '' With his skunk 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 careful enough to preserve herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective rush rushed through him and he knew only one thing, the only way the professor was getting in the way was over his abruptly body.

'' The schoolmaster wishes to speak to Miss Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his government agency. ``

'' And why wouldn't he send professor McGonagall ? '' genus Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the head of the Gryffindor house and a much more in all probability campaigner to approach Ginny on the master's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your year. Why would Dumbledore send 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 vocal and dance 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 master's office for a meeting and so he simply sent me. ``

'' Well, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm sure enough Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallways. If he needs to tell her something of import, I'm sure he would have no problem paying her a sojourn. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the door to close it but the professor reached out to stop it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unnecessary. '' Dragon said calmly while holding the room access so tightly in his hand he thought the woodwind would shatter in his hold. `` I asked therapist Drake to break off by earlier. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed balance. '' He added in parliamentary law to thwart the professor's Modern effort to get Ginny out of her room. He was sure Drake would cover for them if necessary, after all, he'd done it many times before. Rather than set aside Erebos to number up with something else, he used his above formula military posture to slam the door shut despite the man's effort to keep it open.

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

Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his scoop and cast a silencing charm on the room, both as a care and to try and stall before answering her. `` Professor Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to get going with Lunaria annua and go with it until he couldn't. `` They want him to get to you and Ron. ``

'' Why ? '' She asked, sinking down onto her bed in repugnance and confusion.

'' Well… because they have program to take away over the ministry. What bettor way than to use the diplomatic minister's shaver against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was dead on target although that wasn't the reason the man had decided to make a motility today. But why worry her advance by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the wide chronicle or what exactly her crony was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the loose ends the others had had to tie up in decree 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 attempt to help.

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

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

We may make a problem. Dragon thought out to ceramicist 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 elbow room at all that day. You're going to need individual else down at the sales talk looking after Weasley. He concluded definitively, implying that there would be no arguing with his decision to barricade himself in with Ginny.

( suspension )

Harry had a horrifying feeling about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos have come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah planning now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in clip to go rescue Fred. At to the lowest degree the problem of who was going to find out over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a quick Call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and bent around the quidditch pitching, just in instance 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 concern and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to contrive 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 heather. '' Harry told her and Luna as he tightly gripped his own Firebolt. They had gone down to the pitch with everyone else only to sneak off into the equipment shed to keep on from being seen.

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a Holy Scripture all about how there are flying firedrake 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 charms. You and Fred won't be able to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the whole time that both girls would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any Sir Thomas 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 raging and she'd lead up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew proficient than to even suggest she stay behind, despite them all being cognisant of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both up to and tried to let that imagine ease his discomfort.

'' As long as we stay out of the mountains, it shouldn't be a problem. '' She replied, eyeing the old practice Calluna vulgaris warily as Luna stepped up to choose one without hesitation. It was obvious which of them was more surefooted in their ability to fly.

'' Just assume one anyway. '' He pressed with a smiling. `` At the very least, Fred will know 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 Saami. They had no estimate where they'd wind up having only coordinates and characterisation to use to inspire their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be quick for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each take one of Hermione's hired hand and they all focused on the island. With a cheap gap, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard bouldered ground beneath his feet, Harry hesitantly opened his heart to await around. His breath caught in his pharynx as he took in their surroundings. Um, I think we may own just picked the defective potential position to land. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to make any randomness lest they wake the ten dragons currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going tiresome for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the primer coat and rising into the air.

Flying away from the lot top and down toward the beach, he looked over his shoulder to look into on the girlfriend. Luna seemed to have gotten the bent of matter after having been in the air a few meter before. But Hermione, who always chose to preserve her feet on the ground if it was an pick, was clearly showing her rawness. She tried to lower the broom and suddenly lost control, letting out a loud thigh-slapper as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' drag up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite execute it and she raised her arm to cover her expression as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! Look out ! '' He heard Luna yell. Apparently Hermione's initial scream had aroused more than his veneration, it had woken the flying lizard. He quickly whipped to the left as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to shoot at him. `` They hunt in duet. '' Charlie's spokesperson filled his head and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the other dragon that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to explore the sky for her and found her far out over the H2O as she tried her best to dodge the four dragons chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to help only to realize that the other six flying dragon had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better flyer and therefore the more severe to them. One popped up in front of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to beguile his bearings… but this clock time 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 sign of Luna and the two Dragon that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the beasts but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's tail end knock into the vertebral column of his heather followed by the sound of a deep cracking sound. The broom started to arrive apart in his hands and he did his best to keep it together as he raced toward the reason. 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 get a line the animals landing heavily behind him, too prominent to make their way through the dense wood. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to break his fall. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shattered 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.

( recess )

Fred woke to a loud scream. For a moment he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his groundwork. Looking around, he remembered making a temp shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another serial publication of ear-splitting shrieks filled the sky and he looked up to see those mysterious creatures circling in the smart morning sunshine. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the Tree above him, giving him a frighteningly clear perspective of what the fauna actually was… a very large flying lizard with sharp claws, tenacious dentition and wide flank tipped with dangerous looking horns.

Panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to remember everything Charlie had ever told him about these brute. more than anything, he recalled his Brother saying that Draco were tool of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't dissipation metre trying to figure it out, he had to build sure Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the entirely early soul on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these things. He raced through the Tree back to the campground, suddenly upset that he'd decided to travel so far from it in the starting time place.

beingness sure to keep himself bass under the covering of the tree, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's part as she argued with soul. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her spinal column to him and completely alone, but he could tell that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you signify Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one unsubdivided task this morning… Well, you know what to do next. ``

Not waiting to discover more, Fred leapt out from the tree he'd been hiding behind. `` What are you doing ? '' He demanded as he stalked up to her.

She turned to him and dropped her paw, showing him they were empty. `` goose egg. '' She said innocently.

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

More shrieks filled their air and they both glanced up in affright. Then she stared directly at him, her eyes filling with lugubriousness. `` I have no choice, you broke the rules. '' She looked away, closing her optic against her regret.

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

She pointed up at the dragons now circling dangerously low. `` The solely reason they would leave their nest was if someone disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were right, your friends came after you… but that means you all have broken the convention and if I don't bring about the penalisation for it then I'll be the one to obtain it. I like you Fred, but your sib'lives just aren't more important to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to give in and be the better person he wasn't quite sure enough she could be. `` I'll aid protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all save you rubber. Just don't let them pressure you into hurting my blood brother and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an unsettled step toward him. `` You'd convince your friend to give way me a chance ? ``

'' No ! That's theatrical role of her program ! ``

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

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

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

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

'' wellspring, 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 false sweetness.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the moment. '' Fred replied, gesturing to the wand she still had pointed at them. He felt Hermione reach out and take in his handwriting as she used her other to go along wielding her own wand. Squeezing her fingers, he hoped they found a way out of this.

Elanya nodded, a yucky smile spreading slowly across her face. `` I thought as much… I guess it's time to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to confound up a shield around them. It was enough of a beguilement for her to snaffle 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 shoot down Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

'' yell Erebos and severalise him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione ordered, pointing her wand threateningly.

Elanya simply dropped the necklace to the ground and stomped on it, effectively destroying the communication twist. `` What's done is done. You want revenge, get along and take it. '' She dared them.



greenback : Provided there are no more horrible fortuity with my calculator or flash driving force, look for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

A/N : Without further delay… Read, Review, Enjoy !





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to get a line nothing worse that a few scar and scratches. Unfortunately the Scots heather hadn't survived as well and lay a few ft away in pieces. gladiola that it hadn't been her to wind 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 result her… A quick glance up through the treetops let her know why. Several flying lizard seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to come assistance her… it was up to her to figure out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to freeze up with indecision, there were too many citizenry counting on her and more than that, she wanted to prove to herself that she was subject of branching out on her own.

It was a lot hotter here than it was back at school and so the kickoff thing she did was strip off her jacket before she fainted of heating exhaustion. She knew that she had to start moving and preferably with a role. Using her wand as a locator, she made her way through the Wood, trying not to look anywhere but right in front of her. She didn't want to become distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minutes of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the other girl if she would assure to predict off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

'' No ! That's part of her plan ! '' She yelled, racing forward without thinking. Her sceptre was already out and so she quickly pointed it at the former missy to keep open her at bay. It seemed she'd arrived just in time to halt Fred from getting even more caught up in all of this.

She stopped unforesightful as she saw Elanya pull her own wand out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the eye if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest matter he'd ever seen, making her feel more surefooted in the face of the other lady friend. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As good as it felt to birth him book her, she was measured to keep her wand up l Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

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

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

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

'' fountainhead, I suppose you can't really argue with that logic… I take it you're just going to automatically think her over me ? '' Elanya offered them a sweet-flavored smile that dripped with poisonous intentions.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the minute. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that moment that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to trust his own instincts. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her gratis hand to adopt his, wanting him to know 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 affair what.

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's time to proceed to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a cuticle around herself and Fred to bend the spell. Before she could deliver fire, the girl ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then bolt down Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the former end… most likely Professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and take several mantrap in warm sequence but the other fille was fast, raising her shield in time before attempting to fire back and disarm her. By this clip Fred had gotten to his feet and back into the thick of matter, forcing Hermione to halt her plan of attack so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` Take it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

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

'' Call Erebos and tell him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as classic voice as she could muster.

Elanya looked directly at her and dropped the necklace to the ground, stomping on it and ruining their only chance to call off off the professor from killing Ron. `` What's done is done. You want retaliation, 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 young woman had to hedge rather than screen, sending Hermione's charm to shatter the Tree behind her. Seeing what a serious spell she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the grunge from her frock. `` fountainhead, I suppose we've moved past beauty then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the sceptre she'd dropped in her haste to motivate out of the way.

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

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few other incantations, turning the collapsible shelter into their own modest fort ... they were elevate spells she'd only practiced once in the safety of a classroom scope. She was truly storm that she'd been capable to accomplish it here while her kernel was racing and affright gripped her mind. They could hear 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 long this will make. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the place apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

'' You really have a stove in here ? '' She asked incredulously as he struggled to tack the thing over.

'' When it came to spending my money, Elanya spared no disbursal. 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 up a folded towel. Sure enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shot of relief knowing that she wouldn't be the sole one armed. His own relief was patent as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a look that sent thrill through her body. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her neck, pulling her expression to his so that he could passionately capture her backtalk. He kissed her with such profundity and thirstiness that she was left feeling dizzy and had to reach out and seize him to keep her legs from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his arms around her shank he deepened the kiss even more before breaking it off and resting his header against hers. They were both odd breathless and well-chosen to once Thomas More be so close. `` I'm really glad to see you. '' He whispered.

'' I couldn't Tell. '' She teased, leaning up to osculate his cheek.

'' Yeah, well, I'll build it exculpated when I have more time to make my point. '' Fred grinned before turning unplayful once more. They could still listen Elanya out there, doing everything she could to breach the protection charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to resume their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm open to suggestions. ``

He scratched his head and turned to stare at her a bit before breaking into a smile. `` Of course ! If I can gull my own mother then it should be easy to put one across Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the uneasy flavor that George VI had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in backing. `` You really reckon she'll go after our doubles ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his verge over her to conjure her up a stunt woman of her own. Moving hers to stand next to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look near enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' well, I certainly don't have a easily idea. '' She moved to obscure herself behind the turned-over stove, as Fred took their silent stunt woman and instructed them to exit the tent and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her charms would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the opening and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in case Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come search the tent. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( breakage )

Being able to support down on the athletic field, Ron almost felt like he really was portion of the game and was thankful to McGonagall for letting him have this one diminished piece of what made him well-chosen. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them pluck ahead in the mark, cheering them along as any good coach would do. The Baron Snow of Leicester had been magically cleared off the plain but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was make and very common cold. He huddled deeper into his crownwork after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the account jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's favour, he decided it was safe to take a fault and go down to the recreation stall for some hot drinking chocolate to warm his insides. Making his way through the locker rooms, he took the outlet leading outside the stadium and nearly ran into someone trying to create their way in. `` Oh, rationalise me sir. '' He said, recognizing prof 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 closeness at the corner of his oral fissure indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

'' I'm not exactly sure. There is a young woman out in the Sir Henry Joseph Wood who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder joint at the Forbidden forest. `` She wouldn't allow for me to see her face, so I can't be sure… but she looked very much like young woman Patil, who has gone missing. I've ejaculate to find you because she was so insistent but I think I must also go to the Headmaster and inform him that one of his missing bookman has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Parvati was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter off yesterday through lupin, he wasn't even certainly it had decent time to arrive to her so that couldn't be what push her to derive back. He had to talk to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could show up and send her running. `` Just let me go see her beginning. ``

Erebos shook his headspring. `` 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 separate them and fill the chance that she'll run again. ``

'' Please, I'll convince her to detain. '' He promised with his fingers crossed.

'' O.K., how about this ? I'll go with you into the woodwind to see her, I'll let you two have your moment of privacy and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the alone way I'm assured that young lady Patil will come back to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the rachis of the sports stadium to the Forbidden Forest. They walked pretty far into the tree, deepening Ron's suspicions to the power point where he was quick to turn back. `` Parvati got your care from way back here ? Why were you in the Grant Wood ? '' He asked carefully.

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

He swallowed the expectant hunk of concern and panic that had risen in his pharynx. `` Why ? '' He tried to hold his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To bolt down you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to chuck the ultimate inexcusable curse. And then the man was screaming in pain in the ass as his wand burst into fire in his hand, forcing him to strike down it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his scoop for his wand before turning to rule Jacey standing a few yards behind him, her own wand in one manus and a vauntingly ball of fire in the other as she angrily stared down the professor. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming suffering that those were the inaugural words he'd chosen to talk at the sight of her.

They both whipped around as the speech sound of individual applause filled the air. Ron's center widened in electrical shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a great Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, slowly applauding them. `` wellspring done. '' She laughed.

'' The little bitch burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless member close to his body.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse than that when you've angered me LE. '' Elise giggled before turning her attention specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd seminal fluid. I was so very curious to find out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as easily to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her sleeve and producing her own fireballs in her hands. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your hearing. '' She taunted.

( breakout )

Luna just couldn't shake off the finale two dragon chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the sea she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the creatures wouldn't sacrifice up the pursual. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't solution, making her very flighty. She could feel that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a persona 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 capable to cognise where to go to avoid being hit by claw, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instinct were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the ripe flier.

She swooped low to avoid one Draco and then quickly turned decent to avoid the other. Her foundation 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 probability and looked down only to chance a pocket-size speedboat zooming through the weewee headed the same direction she was. Feeling the Draco right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one person on board… a distaff wearing a hat and large dark glasses. hunch shot through her and she raced ahead, heroic to warn Harry.

At last she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the other eight dragons were. They were circling, clearly doing the Saame thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must get landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in Bob Hope that he would see her. She let out a surprised sidesplitter when two of the tartar suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her clasp as she'd seen Harry do, she made a sharp left and headed back out over the water where four more than dragons waited. Once again changing her grip, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! LOOK OUT ! '' She heard Harry belly laugh from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to shout out.

It took a second too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the yoke of dragon that had been laying in wait among the treetops had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to turn a loss them among the fluffy white cloud. But before she could get herself quite that luxuriously, she felt one of the animate being grab the end of her ling and pull her through the air. She lost her suitcase completely and felt herself commence to free crepuscle. thought process as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her descent until she was able to lightly localise her feet on the background. Her relief quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the Dragon'nest. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( shift )

Harry had just used his baton to piece the ling he'd found in the forest back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to beguile an unsufferable sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten dragons. Seeing two of the beasts break off from the radical and enshroud themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather intelligent creatures were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his creative thinker but while he could still find that invariant association to her, it was as if individual had cut a wire somewhere and all he could learn was a dial tint. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his handwriting around his oral cavity and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able to hear him. If she did, it was too late. The early tartar had forced her to fly toward their snare and the two hiding leapt out to storm her. She burgeon forth upwards but to no help as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the wight snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's heart hitch for a moment. But this meter she had her scepter and was able to slow her fall, but when he saw where she landed his warmheartedness dropped entirely into his stomach. The dragons had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, aim on ousting the intruder.

Panic swept through him and he hurried to cease the last stamping ground on the heather. Hearing a motorized sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the sand, allowing a familiar womanhood to jump down and face him. `` hello Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old friends, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

'' I don't have time for you. '' He said. Knowing she didn't have a scepter, he pointed his at her threateningly as he mounted the broom.

'' So I saw… seems your piddling ally fell into the wrong place. '' She grinned. `` aid to have some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

'' Come now, let's put the past behind us. We all act a bit irrationally sometimes. Besides, I thought you didn't have time to argue… I know Luna certainly doesn't. '' She pointed to the clay of his Firebolt, long forget a few railway yard down the beach. `` Fix that up and Army of the Righteous go. ``

He had no pick, he needed assist distracting the dragons so he could fly in and grab Luna. Handing Sarah the heather he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his baton, fixing his own broom as best he could… at least it was in flying term if not properly calibrated for the best flight possible. Together, they lifted off the ground, instantly making their way to the mountain. Harry just hoped his desperation for assist didn't malarkey up being his downfall.

( prison-breaking )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibleness cloak tightly around herself and closed her optic, doing her easily to concentrate on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of course, she was still getting the hang of the unhurt matter and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the sphere. In fact, she wound up inside the castle, just beyond the doors to the Great residence hall. With a sigh of foiling, she made sure she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of trend she had agreed to help keep an eye on Ron… she just had no theme why. He had made himself very open that he wished to do by things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to support off and let him find out just how much he needed his friends. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would kill him… She also could not empty Ron because some part of her knew that his end would think of her own as well. He had made a valid item the other nighttime, they did not know each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstances. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each early. She was more than uncoerced to see what came of that magnet as she had already admitted that his varsity letter is what ultimately made her decide to come here in the world-class place… she only hoped he would come in to his senses long enough to-

She stopped dead in her tracks as she realized she may have arrived too previous. Just beyond the arena, she saw two image slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was sure of at least one of their indistinguishability. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the Tree line so that she could run with more velocity and lupus erythematosus balk. At finish she came upon them and realized she had been chasten 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 attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woodwind instrument ? '' He asked. Jacey was angry on his behalf, upset that the professor was willing to use such an surface wound to play a trick on him into coming out here.

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and malefic smile. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Annapurna isn't out here. I just needed a understanding for you to come into the Wood with me. ``

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

'' To kill you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a import before he raised his wand and did the first thing that came into her mind… She set his verge on firing. He screamed in pain, dropping the affair as he cradled his bruise hand to his body.

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

'' Saving you it seems. '' She said stiffly, feeling hurt to still see ire under the surprise in his eyes as he stared at her.

The sound of mortal slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to find Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the Tree. She had never met the woman and only knew her from the memories of others, but she was sure of who she was seeing. `` well done. '' Elise laughed with real amusement.

'' The small bitch burned my bridge player ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

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

putt her wand in her air pocket so that both of her hands were loose, Jacey let the flames flare out of her bigger and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the char did not hesitate to begin her attack, hurling balls of fire one after the other. Engulfing her entire soundbox in attack, Jacey was able to engage whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to feel very tender. Run before this feast ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit interfering at the minute. He answered. She glanced over to find him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the woodland and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his scepter and was trying to make it solve with his undamaged bridge player. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the baton to perform his piece which only distracted Ron from his impromptu attack at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her baton but Elise only renewed her exertion, making it clear that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no alternative but to crusade firing with attack. It was more than Ron's weewee piece could keep up with and if they didn't determine a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would broadcast. She did her best to focus on controlling and containing them to their minuscule domain but it lessened the amount of assiduousness she could kick in to the actual fight and found herself more on the defensive that she would have thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't care where the fire spread was giving the woman an sharpness over her but there was zippo she could do about that, she had to do her best to insure the damage her big businessman caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more attention away from the conflict, she called out to Dragon as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for helper. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her full tending back to the moment at hired man. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her chance and used everything she had to fritter a jet stream of fire directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flaming flickered out and everything went dark.

( gap )

'' What do you mean you have to go help Jacey ? '' Ginny demanded as Draco grabbed his coat. They'd been quietly lounging together in her room as they studied and she'd been enjoying the rather knotty worry-free moment… even if they had barricaded themselves in to avoid professor Erebos.

Looking at his face, she could secernate he wasn't any more proud of with the idea of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the shoal grounds and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the Ellen Price Wood. '' He answered honestly, in too practically of a hurry to try lying. `` trust me, the exclusively reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open the room access to anyone until I get back, okeh ? ``

'' Not okay. I want to go with. '' She insisted, moving to grab her coating as well.

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in trouble because she's distracted by persuasion of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of a lot help if we add your upbeat to our listing of fear. ``

'' Need I remind you again that you aren't an god god or even a superhero ? You're a normal guy who got stuck with a being a werewolf and are just as capable of burning to destruction as I am. '' She gripped his arms, unwilling to let him give her sight.

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

She stared at him a minute, letting the wheels turn in her mind as she figured out what to do. `` fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at last, too disquieted about Ron and Jacey to keep him any longer.

He seemed suspicious but he had no choice other than to accept her agreement. Leaning in to quickly snog 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 see why he liked going out to run so much- it must be impossible to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her pelage she fled her room, rushing through the halls and out the figurehead threshold. She would keep her promise not to succeed after him… but she wasn't going to leave him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school staff sat. Unfortunately, the person she wanted to tattle to was also sitting next to the somebody she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at bet, her brother's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' Lupin asked with a friendly smile as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the schoolmaster, she took a deep breath and spoke to Lupin. She knew it was best to save mention of Jacey and Elise out of thing with so many pinna around and so she made her point as all the way and concise as possible. `` Draco ran out into the woods to try and stop Professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need avail. ``

( gaolbreak )

Fred waited a good two minutes to be sure Elanya was gone before turning to lift the freighter of the tent behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her paw, he led the way as they ran from the solely thing that had been capable to protect them. He tried to repeatedly call out for Harry and Luna but neither of them answered. `` It's like they can't discover me at all ! '' He said aloud in frustration as they carefully made their way through the Tree, keeping an ear out for any preindication of Elanya windup in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the energy landing field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with most navigation tools, even the wizard ones. It's the primary reason it's so voiceless for people to see these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that sealed brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic power. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stay finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his wand to take him towards the nearest livelihood man but the dazed thing kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

'' Unless… '' She looked upward and he followed her regard. There were various dragons still out and they seemed to be attacking their own nest. `` You don't think… ? ``

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the solely answer was that their Quaker were up there and in a lot of difficulty. `` I guess we try to go up it. '' He walked toward the radix of the mountain until he heard a small shrieking of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to rid her foot from a rather ugly looking plant. Originally mistaking it for some kind of bush, they had walked by unaware… but now the affair had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out respective tentacle-like projection that were attempting grab Hermione and pluck her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the plant seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would make it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the plant. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a large rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The flora let out a wretched sound, indicating it could experience pain. In an endeavour to disengage herself, Hermione reached for another rock and helped him flap the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her weapons system, he pulled her to her groundwork and they scrambled away before the unknown bush could regroup.

'' wellspring, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breath. He'd certainly never come across a plant like this before in all his metre wandering the island though he'd definitely found some weird ones. Of course, other than last nighttime when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this last to the al-Qaeda of the batch. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't passed by this thing in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed precarious but determined and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained English by incline. It was a short-change manner of walking and looking towards the sky, they were able-bodied to see that the way to the top of the lot wasn't exactly unbowed up… that was a good thing, making it less belike that they would shine to their demise while attempting this. `` okey, we just require to regain the right place to commence. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky wall and various unlike course up.

Fred took a different approach, walking right up to the mess and trying out the handholds and basis in a few places. Taking a few more tone to the left, he reached to climb up only to feel the rock candy give way under his hands. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the land, knocking the breath out of him and sending shooting pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

'' Yeah ! '' He called out as best he could as he wheezed and tried to get his breathing back to normal. `` I'm alive ! '' He assured her more loudly once he was able.

'' Yes, but are you okay ? '' She yelled down to him.

'' I think my leg broke my descent. '' 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 canvass 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 incorrect and he could see the entire affair swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just give me a second to gather myself. '' Putting as picayune weight on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his feet. Only once he was standing did he realize he seemed to pain everywhere including the berm that had been broken last year during the quidditch match against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the bottom of his shirt in his mouth to muffle any sounds of botheration he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a present moment he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the sense of assuagement that told him that he'd achieved the result he'd wanted, his shoulder was back in it's proper place. Panting from the effort he wiped the travail from his face and took a few steadying breaths. `` Okay, ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his understructure carefully left the ground, leaving him to experience as though he were softly cradled in the custody of some unseeable giant. He put his wand in his pocket as he rose up, wanting to consume both hands free to assist perpetrate himself clear of the surprisingly small opening he'd fallen through. At last he was able-bodied to see Hermione, using her verge to direct his progress. Reaching up, he grabbed the border of the rocky opening. `` I need you to keep propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good traveling bag with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her assiduity, trying to only give him an extra cost increase as he struggled to take out himself spare. Now being forced to use all the strength in his implements of war, he was glad that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscle a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' somebody screamed and Hermione's wand was ripped from her hand and sent flying off into the woods. Without her patch to aid him, he lost a bit of his suitcase and struggled through the nuisance to get a foothold lest he shine back down into the cavern. He scrambled to keep onto the rock despite how acute they were… once he felt stiff, he was able-bodied to look up and see Elanya staring at them with a wide smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so long to slay those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a dear conjuror than I thought. ``

'' What do you require ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to help force him through the pickle. But the more pressure he tried to put on it, the more dull it seemed to grow… almost to the dot where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to achieve back for his sceptre but letting go of the rocks made him instantly slide backwards. He would involve all the strength in his weapon to take out himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new determination, he decidedly placed his foundation and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the botheration. From there he was able to touch out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( intermission )

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

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

'' I don't even know 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 deflection over her.

'' She's indisposed at the moment. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his substructure and pointed his wand with a water spell on the tip of his tongue and cook to be used. `` So, her name is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own wand. `` What else can you enjoin me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just need a second to find and focus my energies. He heard Jacey's voice rustle through his fountainhead. Do not engage her… Draco is on his way to help.

sense of hearing that she was uninjured, relief swept through him so quickly his knees almost buckled out from under him. `` nix to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his attention back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the just one to be seen with the mysterious castling guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can assure me everything I want to know. Of trend, seeing how loth you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always force you to tell me. Though if we have to go that route, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you want to have a go at it ? '' He asked, hoping to buy time.

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

'' I know she's a liar. '' He said quickly. `` I know I can't trust anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly repeat every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to assort out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the woman to believe there was no ground to guess she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and vice versa ... or even bettor, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrifying, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the things he'd said in the past… and even after he'd uttered such horrible nonsense, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those affair, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

'' A unspoiled prevaricator can be of great use. '' Elise nodded approvingly. `` Unfortunately, it seems you are of no use at all. ``

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his fountainhead and he saw her bound to her substructure behind Elise who had once again raised her hands to conjure her fire. Before he could wave his sceptre to shield, someone roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his ft and carrying them both away faster than Ron thought possible. It only took him a minute to see who had just may hold saved his life.

'' We have to go back for Jacey ! '' He yelled to Draco who immediately turned them around.

As they approached the two young lady still whipping ardor at each other without much tending as to what was around them, someone shouted `` Impedimenta ! '' forcing Draco to trip and sending both boy sprawling to the ground.

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

There was no time to be nervous, he instantly cast a shield having seen the man ready to befuddle a while at him. Within a irregular he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a pageboy from Jacey and Elise's Holy Writ shooting a watercourse of fire from his baton that met the atomiser of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his concentration he repeated the spell, attempting to fortify his position… but Erebos was just as watch and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A stentorian phonation surrounded them.

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

'' Don't mention it. '' He answered grimly.

Dumbledore walked over to stare down at his disgraced professor. `` Well Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be able to let the cat out of the bag your way out of. '' He said with a slight yet exulting smile.

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a small opening across the nestle the seemed to lead into the mountain. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her short and cold-shoulder shape could squeeze through. suspicion burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a low scream of panic as she felt one of the massive beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a stunner at the fauna's partner as it swooped in to have it's own attempt at catching her. The spell seemed to bounce off the dragon's hide, having no effect other than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to generate the next pair their twist with her.

Scrambling to her infantry, Luna stab toward the cave gap. She was tempted to use her wand and blare the hole out-of-doors wider, but she worried that might possibly break up the constancy of the mountain. The cobbler's last affair she wanted was to run away the beasts only to be buried in a landslip or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely capable to pinch through, turning her consistence sideways to spend a penny it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of infliction and turned, using her verge to burn the flying lizard who had grabbed her arm before she could fully hide herself. This seemed to have Thomas More event than anything else as the savage let out a mighty shriek of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the chap, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her human foot. With a sick spirit in the pit of her breadbasket, she lit her wand and covered her mouth to give back the scream of horror she wanted to let loose. various bones littered the floor of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both animals and humans.

Remaining near the opening, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the damage done to her arm. Seeing two gravid bloody cut in the sleeve of her coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too strong anyway. Tearing off the remainder of the ruined sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her cutis and found that, while awful, the slit didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a little relieved to pick up that wasn't the case. She quickly used the fighting of fabric that had once been her sleeve to wind the wounding and squelch the bleeding.

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

'' I'M here ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow opening to return to the draw close. Peering out from the hole, she caught the impossible pot of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to cark and divide the dragons. 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 attention back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and forth until he was able to tantalize all of the dragon back into the air. They may not be able to commune in their heads at the moment, but she knew him well enough to guess what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last Dragon had taken trajectory, she ran out into the open where Harry could see her. Putting her sceptre between her teeth, she threw her deal in the air as he passed over and struggled to apply on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on fire with nuisance as she struggled to climb up onto the broom with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her nous until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll cast. '' She assured him, taking her scepter from her mouth and turning to snap a stream of flaming at the two dragons that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the beasts to plunk away.

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the water. As they descended, Luna was able to defecate out yet another small boat streaking toward the island. Sarah flew them down towards it and with ten dragons fast behind them, Harry had no choice but to keep up. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was able to recognize the two the great unwashed on the sauceboat 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 take heed her better. She could experience his defeat at not experiencing the nail access to her persuasion that he'd become used to having… she knew he felt this way because it was the same exact 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 flames all around them.

( BREAK )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact OK before focusing on herself. She went into her own head, trying to get together her energies and refuel her flak. Sending her mind out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did cognize that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to notice that she would fall to his saving anyway.

And then Elise's intellection overpowered his and she was able to see that the cleaning lady intended to get rid of the only mortal there to witness whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her understructure. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the exact minute Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was grateful that she now had one to a lesser extent thing to concern about. She reached for her wand only to get a line that at some degree it had fallen out of her pouch. Cupping her mitt, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the fair sex second power in the cover before she could light herself on fire to assimilate the middleman. This caused her not only to squall in pain but more importantly, to completely bury 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 masses in the back. ``

'' You do not screw me or what I have been capable of in the past… I could have just as easily joined the other side. '' Jacey replied darkly, trying not to let herself consider of anything in her past.

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his allies can leave you. '' Elise grinned. `` evidence me what it is and I promise I can get it to you dissipated and with less difficulty that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the only way to get any of it was to remain loyal and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life Elise was offering and had only recently been able-bodied to drop off the shackle of that kind of existence… The one where you could believe no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt unique and scared and were forced into being individual you are not in order to survive. She was prepare for the life that came with being Harry's ally and a appendage of the coven… She was ready for the kind of friendship you would risk your biography for even after arguing and she was ready for the freedom of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being able to handle about anything and everything, of being capable to be herself.

'' come now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just imagine if you joined us, imagine the man after we win this war… we'll be able to shape it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with great power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as a good deal death as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best stake of all if we could give some sort of correspondence. ``

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

'' I'm dong no such matter. '' She assured her, once more illumine herself on fire in case Jacey decided to confuse another glob of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more meeting her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

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

Checking on her own foe in this fight, she saw Elise get through out from the ground and compass point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her arms to shield her head as the tree next to her exploded in flames. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, classical spokesperson reverberated through the tree diagram. 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 clock time to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one more surprise blast of fire before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! Stop her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few animal foot of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several tree on fire as a beguilement to keep them engaged. Leaving it to the others to hold the fire from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her pastime. She thought she was alone until she felt Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible speed. Do not let her build it past the schoolhouse's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was ineffectual to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the shelter charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'borders, she'd be able to go anywhere.

visual perception that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a lilliputian harder and mad a wild honkytonk, tackling the womanhood around her stage and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a shield around himself to discombobulate off the fire. `` You have to let me bequeath, Harry and Luna's life story may calculate on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you mean ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the Lapp time.

She reached up and pulled a small magnetic disk from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in constant communicating with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us live that your Friend had finally arrived on the island to save Fred. Now she's telling me that the dragons are awake and very much after Harry and Luna. We researched that island well before choosing it and learned everything we could about the dragons including reading the new script written by Charlie Weasley… those dragon aren't the variety that breathing spell fire, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to avail, but they're only three multitude against a host of beast. If I don't go and helper, two of your friends and one of mine might just become some pitiful animate being's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a place she could apparate from.

Draco uncertainly raised his wand to blockade her but Jacey grabbed his arm. `` No. '' She said quietly.

Elise only grinned wider as she extended a hand out to her. `` Come with me Jacey. We can make together just this once in the interest of saving our ally'living. After we can go right back into another firefight if you'd like ... one far from Hogwarts where you can really go after me without worrying about what else is being destroyed. '' She offered.

Don't do it… it's got to be a trap. Dragon silently warned her.

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in hassle. Jacey replied. Quickly making her choice, she rushed to take Elise's deal and allowed the woman to whisk them away before genus Draco could stop them.

( gaolbreak )

Harry dodged to the left to scarper the Draco only to give birth to swerve immediately right to dodge the human dynamo that shaft past them. Luna had abandoned her try to use her wand and now held onto him tightly with both arms as it was decipherable that his flying was the lone thing that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to perturb himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a dragon or plummet into the sea for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a boat with Elise as both miss flung fire in the air to chase off the creatures. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could discuss their option and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to help. He felt inhuman and isolated being cut off… not only from her intellect but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' headspring down to the boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed past tense them to lightly bring down and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you intend ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to make his way though blast 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 as shooting to put off flying dragon with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to shoot down and take on the other broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go obtain Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her fount in his binding in preparation for the sharp drop he was about to make. Fixing his adhesive friction he shot straight down, streaking past several dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out flack flares to keep the beasts at bay as he softly set his human foot down on the bow of the minor gravy boat. Sarah immediately started the engine 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 other to their feet.

'' Getting us away from here, what does it see like ? '' She stared at him as if he were stupid before gesturing to the hind end of the gravy boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their big businessman to fend off the four flying dragon intent on pursuing them beyond the island.

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

'' So what ? '' Elise called over her shoulder. `` They're dead weighting around your neck. Let them go. ``

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

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

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the railway locomotive and letting the gravy holder purport through the urine. They had apparently gone far enough to ensure the firedrake that they had no intention of returning to their nest. The beast had finally given up the pastime and headed back plate. `` I didn't think it would train all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

'' You wanted us to come here ? '' Harry asked doubtfully.

'' Of path. '' Elise laughed. `` We knew you'd want to fare after Fred and so he proved his first use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

'' We just never thought it would lead you this long to figure affair out… Tristram 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 next. ``

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole glance at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed Tristram. Yet again he wished he still had the power to go into their idea 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 turn over himself away while at the like time hoping to get a few to a greater extent solution than Simon had been able to provide.

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

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

'' It's simpleton, we wanted to evidence just how capable we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to conjoin us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your former friends would hand us the probability to really pull in ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big gestures are the only way to stimulate multitude listen ... '' Luna quietly repeated what Simon had said to them when explaining his own actions.

Elise stared at her in surprisal. `` I'm glad you see my point. But clearly whatever was going on up at the castle was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would defecate you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win situation. Of course the unintelligent man is terrified of both Dragon Malfoy and your friend lupine for what they are, though he's too gallant to admit it. When Draco refused access to Ginny, making it clear that the lonesome way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our less than brave spy gave up. But then, to our delectation we received word that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to kill Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in hassle and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to do to your rescue. ``

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

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

'' It doesn't matter in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you think I left the idiot behind to whatever fate befell him ? Even if he decided to flex on me, he knows nothing of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two workweek left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely expendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all making. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a muckle, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got catch doesn't mean I had any obligation to help… he made his choice to become take in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his head. ``

'' A pitiful lesson to find out the hard way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her headland in mock grief 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 okeh, Dolos was very thoroughly 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 obelisk of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume Ball, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the same mysterious somebody Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his supporter made special trips up there to visit. We knew putting Ron's sprightliness in danger would lend you running, especially if Harry and Luna were fussy elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to kill Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our Quaker, '' Harry stepped in to block up Jacey from punching Sarah in the face as it was well-defined 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 connection to each early was firm enough for her to understand what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and take a humble step sideways toward the broom Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the boat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the hint. 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 book binding of his shirt to point that she was ready. It had taken a subject of minute but they were set up and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure to be active fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

'' Let's go find Fred and Hermione and go house ! '' Jacey shouted unnecessarily as they rushed back toward the island with the speedboat in hot pastime below them.

( BREAK )

'' What do you need ? '' Hermione asked, trying to hide the fact that she was scared.

'' If I knew that I would already have it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a small-scale circuit around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the cause Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to tolerate directly in front of her, her golden eyes glaring with a deadly flack. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with knowing meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million matter that she would have liked to say in return. But without her scepter, the last thing she wanted was to devote the girl another reason to wish her dead.

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

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's centre rolled up into her head and she fell forward. Elanya still had her deal in a Death grip and dragged her Down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of vision of the yesteryear. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself rid. For a legal brief moment she considered going into the Dubya to reckon for her verge but remembering her live on encounter with strange foliation, she decided it would be best to take away Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the fille's digit apart.

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

Reaching deep interior herself, Hermione gathered every bit of forcefulness she had and getting her legs under the other girlfriend, she kicked out and managed at conclusion to get her off. Grabbing at her pharynx in relief as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her ft, not wanting to be caught incognizant. Elanya was already standing and pointing her verge. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your aliveness like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the conjuration of escape isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a channelize start. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to ease up all of her attention to the psychotic girl, she had no idea whether Fred had fallen again and pause his neck, but she couldn't just leave… especially when it was most likely that Elanya would beguile her anyway.

'' well, that's your prerogative. '' She smiled with mad pleasure and got ready to ramble. `` I wish I could say it's been nice knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another piece straight at Elanya that sent her flying several railyard back through the trees until she hit one hard enough to knock her out. She turned to determine him sprawled on the solid ground, sweating and panting from the exertion of pulling himself liberate with a leg that even from here looked extremely swollen. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the focusing Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the wand and kneeling next to him.

'' I'm really not certainly. '' He answered, groaning in pain as she helped him sit up. His hands were bleeding from the rock, but other than that and his leg, zip else seemed too serious.

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

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

'' We have to find Harry and Luna. They're the only ones who can get us out of here. '' She pressed.

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

They both kept an eye on the post Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to look for a piece of woodwind long and sturdy enough for their purpose. At last she found one and rushed back over to aid Fred upgrade to his feet. Throwing his other arm around her shoulders, he was eventually able to feel a way to use both her and the make-shift walking joystick to his easily advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we call out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their heads ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

'' I don't know… either it'll bring them to us, it'll bring someone else to us or it'll be useless because they were eaten by the Draco that now seem to make calmly returned to their nest. '' He answered gloomily.

'' fountainhead, that's the kind of attitude that'll get us through this. '' She said sarcastically.

'' Sorry. '' He muttered. `` I think our outdo bet is to go down to the beach. If they're still out there somewhere, that's the effective place for them to see us. Calling out would only severalise Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' Okay then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no cinch being the white horse either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much pressure. ``

They walked on in comfortable silence, as happy as they could be given their situation. To his credit entry, Fred didn't request that they stop to reside until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the overt. Moving over to a group of small boulders, she helped him sit while keeping the rocks and water at their backs and their eyes able to see the tree line and anyone who may wander out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a scant piece, shading his optic as he searched the afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the time to yell and get their attention. '' He said, struggling to use the rock-and-roll to help push himself to his foot. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree into the gumption. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hired hand until at last Harry caught spate of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her foot, Hermione looked down and gave a belittled scream as respective large sea Cancer scuttled across the grit towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the tree, pointing her wand at Fred and sending the tiny creatures she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to serve stand them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an invisible power only to end up at Elanya's infantry. `` That should restrain him busybodied enough for us to finish what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( BREAK )

These stupid crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mentality as they swarmed over each other to accomplish Fred. He tried to hitch after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other encourage up the beach but between his already injured leg and the incisive chela continually piercing the skin of the good one, it was all he could do to restrain from falling over. Using his wand and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to fend the piddling pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to assist them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own battle out over the ocean as a boat raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting fireball and stripe of fire into the air while the somebody riding with Harry returned the fiery onset. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some waves in an endeavour to stay fresh the boat from reaching the island… but it was clear the person driving cared nothing about the boat, damaging it beyond repair as it was battered by Luna's magical spell. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain sensation shot through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the crab. Using the walking stick, he tried to regain his balance but his foot sank into the backbone and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his arms to break out his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his sceptre but to no avail. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much enceinte and more tempestuous 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 pierce his pelt. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always Thomas More to involve their stead. terror settled over him as he realized that he was ineffectual to get up and the pediculosis pubis were taking the opportunity to inter him.

( fracture )

Luna gripped the broom tightly, terrified that she was going to fall off as the humble of visions suddenly washed over her to give a admonition of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely recede consciousness but elaborated enough to keep 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 here and now ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him tighter before turning to return the flaming 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 describe that her vision had served not only to warn her of the fire, but that for some reason those girls had decided they no longer cared if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to throw fervour at her alone assured Luna that at some gunpoint, her life became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to trouble 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 carry out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her verge to raise up some violent waves that tossed the little boat around. She grinned in satisfaction to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to dissuade Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her boat. She waved her verge again, strengthening the magical spell and creating bountiful and more than brutal waves… and then she saw the expectant ship on the celestial horizon, quickly heading in their direction. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a moment as she tried to figure out who could be aboard.

'' Luna take care out ! '' Jacey yelled at the Lapplander time her intuition screamed in her mind to change state. She was lupus erythematosus than a second too late and the very back of her ling was caught in the fiery stream.

feeling herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid ground below her, she rolled off the broom only to encounter herself surrounded by short ton of crabs. She quickly got to her feet but the puppet didn't seem to ingest any interest in her and following their progress with her eyes she was capable to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the crabs 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 make-do splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, she got a better hold and together they were able to cabbage him off the footing and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breathing space as they both used their wands to keep the crabs at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes wide with vexation. `` Now leave about me and go supporter Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the girl dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but other than a few scrapes and bruise they hadn't seemed to pull in any head against each other… The landscape around them was a unlike chronicle as shattered and eradicate trees littered the beach. Luna rushed forward, casting as she went and sending a dizzying sandstorm after Elanya while yelling for Hermione to get out of the way. But before her spell could attain it's objective, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

turn, she saw that Sarah had run the speedboat ashore and taken dominance of Luna's sandstorm before it could harm her champion. Harry and Jacey grounded as Elise jumped down from the boat to join Sarah on the sand. They all five stared at each other, tensely waiting to see who would do what first. On one English of their group, Hermione and Elanya had resumed their duel as they now each were trying to celebrate the other from going to assist their friends… on the other incline, Fred was still stuck fighting with nature while struggling to continue 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 tatty screeching 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 follow Luna right away as he saw her broom stop flame, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to strike back from the back of the heather. `` 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 feet under her before hurrying over to Luna who had been trying to serve Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

He tried to think, to count on 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 part of himself. A flashy motor horn startled him from his thought and he looked out over the water to see a big ship anchored and three rowboat full of people making their way to the beach. `` It seems our drive has arrived. Who's coming with us ? '' Sarah asked, looking around at them all with a mad grin.

Jacey and Luna looked at each other and then to him, it was clear they were as disorder 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 limit to the island by the anti-apparation charms and thought they could provide the alone way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be fast about making a conclusion. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her articulatio humeri. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to mention your two friends seem to be struggling quite a bit. ``

Carefully grabbing Luna's uninjured arm he pulled her and Jacey further away and lowered his voice so only they could hear him. `` okey, Luna when I give the signal, 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 capitulum and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten hour, then go get Lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just bring them back here to help. ``

She stared at him for a consequence, clearly unsure that this was the dependable architectural plan. But it was the only one they had and she must birth realized it. `` mulct, ten bit and not a indorse more. '' She finally agreed.

'' O.K. then. '' Harry took her hired hand and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to maintain Sarah and Elanya back as skillful you can while I go aid out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the shrieking Shack okay ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her men together as she prepared to loose Sir Thomas More of her power than she'd been capable to in a more populated place.

'' Well ? '' Elise impatiently called from behind them. `` What's it going to be ? Come with us voluntarily or wait until our little minions row ashore to storm 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 rampart of flack, sending it to gird Elise and Sarah. The flames raged, flickering over seven feet high and with more force than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will take her a minute to portion out with. '' Jacey grinned.

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

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a monition and turned to see various large Boulder flying at him. He ducked to the ground and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly realize that Sarah hadn't been trying to kill him as the tilt settled and entombed him.

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



NOTE : More to come soon !