Chapter 54 : Who to trust ?

A/N : Sorry for the delay in getting this out, I had an accident with my flash driving force and everything on it was deleted including the first draft of this chapter. But things are on trail now, so getting back in the cut of thing, a revision of the chapter from the beginning… Read, review and enjoy !





After taking Simon the Zealot'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 dust-covered bath, Luna perched on the edge of the rich Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny cabinets. At last he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out gauze and tape before reaching out to turn the faucet on the sink. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a out of practice color at showtime that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the blood from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her honest not to funk or let on that the cuts stung like looney. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the period where she'd struggled so violently against the roach. Simon hadn't seemed at all purport on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to materialize rather than contend her bindings to the point where she cut into her skin. It was her own geological fault she'd sire hurt at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the foremost place. Harry argued with her mentation as he leaned down to kiss her now freshly bandaged wrists.

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to tell us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her fingerbreadth through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to calm down and agnise the need to fight was over, to have got an open head and really hear to what Simon Zelotes had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been capable to sneak a few peek into the boy's head. He was out to betray his sister before she could betray him and apparently the winner of their little sib bicker 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 unanimous taradiddle and St. Simon seemed will to put up it.

Together they walked back into the parlor and Luna was relieved to find that Jacey was back to being herself as the potion had completely worn off. If Simon Zelotes 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 light 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 ploughshare with us ? ``

'' Can't you undo the binding spell ? I promise I'll just sit here, I won't do anything. '' Simon pleaded.

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

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

'' Just narrate us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her gaze on Simon. She pushed the spirit she wanted to cast outward and watched as both boys visibly relaxed, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the solely one aware of this piffling extra power of hers. She just wished she had better control of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the blaze you were thinking when you decided taking us surety was the best way to make your dot. '' Harry crossed his arms, refusing to be lulled into composure and shaking off the effects she was trying to propagate around the room.

'' Big gestures are the only way to get multitude to listen. '' Marvin Neil Simon said quietly repeated himself from in the first place. `` Like I said, that philosophy worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these years. I wasn't going to wound either of you… I needed you both there and so I figured I could use Luna to keep you listening rather than attacking me… I guess I figured that if you saw how good I was you would trust me. I was going to let you into the classroom, but you let yourself in get-go. '' He looked at Harry almost accusingly, clearly implying that he blamed Harry's rashness for so many thing 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 animal foot in indignation… she knew they all had to stay rational and sort through this, it was important.

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

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

'' You can confide that one or all of us will roll in the hay whether you're telling the truth. '' Luna quietly assured him.

Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do bang that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to plan so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to figure it out… so that you would search his head and encounter the memory of her asking him to set up Elanya. She knows about your powers and so she's decided to use them against you. '' He said with a sly smile before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no mind about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to find out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very measured to keep you and other visitors a unavowed from those professors he doesn't trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no musical theme about you though they'd very much like to find out. ``

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

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life-time. '' Simon looked down sadly. `` I was LE than a yr old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop combat and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to kill them. Elise was XVI at the time and the sole keep family I had. Rather than take care of me, she decided to knock down me at the orphans' asylum, but she would at least get sojourn every yr on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to guide her topographic point as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to school and she was hoping to mold me into someone she could use to start setting up her design. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to fare back and that his followers were doing everything in their power to make it pass. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would take a leak her own place in the world. 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 year I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to allow me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanage. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and nothing she asked of me made any sense… not until this class. ``

Simon shook his head and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the end week of school this past summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the second I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train post so I went family and weave up overhearing a merging between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the wickedness Lord into thinking it was his estimation to receive Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her tell him that she planned to belt down me as I was going to show more useful to them dead. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrified of my sis in that bit than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scary, the sword or the expert hired hand wielding it ? And she knows how to play him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to stick with her club hoping she would change her nous. But she didn't because a few daytime before I was supposed to come back to shoal I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm home for the holiday breakout and pee-pee it attend like someone else did it. My own sister was going to vote out me and use my corpse to get down a scrap. 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 mass involved in this whole scheme would conceive the long ridiculous story I have to say ? So the only thing I could do was expose her to the people 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 dependable 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 individual in the existence, but I'm not fix to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to bonk about her and her plans. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's head, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an important question in terms of Fred's fate. She was trying not to sympathize with Marvin Neil Simon, but he seemed to take in gotten stuck with a pretty scurvy life… but still, there was something about him she found unsettling and so that allowed her to keep some form of an excited detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A long while ago, after your group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the confusion and looked up the files on every major player on either side. Using that data, she was able to see out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would react in any situation. Originally we went to Australia this summer to find a guy named Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a lilliputian pub where he liked to indite his articles but we never even talked to him… it was like the second 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 comparable circumstances had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to handle Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't matter whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's region in all of this… but clearly a untried pretty girl would acquire Thomas More sympathy. The point was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to think she'd been set up and blackmailed the same way they'd done it to your acquaintance Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob level so that he'll take in her side and help babble out you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a groyne, to memorise all the secret about you that they didn't already jazz. And then Elanya was supposed to set about causing strife among you all to weaken you and nominate it more probably that you and Harry will abandon your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're locution is basically that they want to create their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his voice heavy with doubt as he tried to hide the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's horror at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her work force on hug drug, another coven fellow member. She knew it was crucial that they leave as soon as possible to begin approaching people themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

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

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

Neil Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can suit whatever she has to be in Holy Order to win over someone of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been capable to fool Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to withstand them ? ``

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

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

( prisonbreak )

Fred had skipped out on lunch and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in hopes of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was very anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his mind or in material life history, one thing had become clear… he couldn't stay here anymore. No matter what, this was going to be his last 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 charms and the sole people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A luscious smell 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 determine that while it was well past lunch, it was still too early on for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meals that day and cooked such big smelling food for a intellect. He was tempted to go into the water to catch a fish to fry just to upset her programme but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to allure him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was Thomas More than capable of providing for himself, but at the moment he was too thirsty to wait long enough to catch and cook his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no thing what, this was his stopping point nighttime here… what could it hurt to spend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then bequeath again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the food for thought nor Elanya were international. With a heavy sigh, he opened the flap of the ordinary looking tent and entered the impossibly roomy glamour of the inside. `` wellspring, I guess it's true what they say… the dissolute way to a man's fondness is through his breadbasket. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the delectable ranch on the ornate mesa 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 heap 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 palpate her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' well, I've decided that in the sake of continuing a civilized conversation we will bring a game of sorts. '' She announced after a short while.

'' Boy, it sure is easier not to take to think for myself… I wish soul had been making my decisions for me my unanimous life. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm offering you a one in a million fortune to understand me better. ``

'' Who says I want to ? ``

She smiled, ignoring his attitude. `` I'm going to let you ask me whatever you want about anything and I promise to order you the verity. ``

'' And I'm supposed to believe you ? '' He raised an eyebrow. `` Exactly which one of us do you intend is the crazy one, because I've been casting my ballot for you for awhile now. ``

'' Humor can be a great way to forfend anything literal from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` Come on, I know you're curious…. ``

And he was. There were quite a few thing he'd like her to straighten out up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The lonesome way was to test her by throwing in interrogation he already knew the answer to. `` OK, I'll roleplay your petty game. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go restart my hermit walk. ``

'' Fair enough. '' She rested her mentum on her helping 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 plan what he wanted to say.

'' Oh Fred… I'm not doing this to you, I'm doing this for you. '' She dropped her gaze slightly as a hint of sadness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoner right now, so why not make our coop the best it can be- a beautiful island promised land ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in order to manipulate his next question. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to utter about and was in the process of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was rum, but he forced himself to remember that he knew what she was doing.

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to ensure my future alliance and obeisance. '' She answered, lowering her eyes to hide the flash of embarrassment that passed through them.

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

Elanya sighed and shook her head. `` I've always considered myself to be somewhat clever… I'm sure you used to think the same about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the last few months with the tremendous outline they've wrapped around us. ``

'' The divergence being that you helped them do it to me. '' He said angrily, brushing off her effort to get him to empathize with her.

'' Only because I had no choice ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to take you away while they set up thing in London I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the Sojourner 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 scale aside, Fred leaned forward on the table and decided it was time for him to plough the conversation his way so that he could essay her silver dollar. `` And what did you think you had already done to repay them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to tell him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her idea in the first place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a farsighted history together and bringing him into affair had always been a part of her architectural plan. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making certainly 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 sojourn hadn't been some sort of delusional mirage.

Elanya met his eyes and offered a sad smiling. `` Well, what can it hurt ? It's not like you'll be capable to monish anyone back at Hogwarts. It's Professor 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-class honours degree time he was hearing this. `` Really ? A professor ? ``

She nodded slowly as she carefully studied him. `` I met with him in Australia and he was everything Elise had told me she'd been looking for. I had thought I was the one convincing him to join us but it was all part of their plan to trap me. ``

'' And why would they go through such elaborate metre ? '' Fred was almost sure she was telling the truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in trouble 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 situation to his vantage and memorize as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can score their own place in this war and that if they have the right sort of people on their side they'll be capable to take away on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her pass angrily. `` I was appalled to learn that Voldemort's idea to collect a psychic army was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to help her discovery Sarah. But they planned to shit friend of the people he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

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

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

He sat up, suddenly extremely interested. He'd been wondering for a long prison term the real reason Elise had targeted his store. `` What do you mean ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a look of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as good as Luna seems to be. But that didn't matter to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to give his ultimate commitment to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a vision that something was going to land Harry to Diagon Alley alone and that Voldemort was going to construct his movement against the boy. She worried about the effect as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they share the same power… of row, she'd only just found Sarah at that fourth dimension. 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 various Aurors in the surface area. After all, the minister of religion would be sure to respond in full phase of the moon force to a study of arson at his son's store. ``

He took a steadying intimation, trying to calculate on the bright face as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon Alley alone that day to face Voldemort, his decease Eaters and the Dementors, there's no way he could take in survived. At to the lowest degree Elise's end had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd much rather have his store ruined than his friend dead. After all, they'd already rebuilt the shop… there wasn't another Harry potter laying around. `` I remember reading in the composition that Jasper died rather mysteriously. '' He said at last. Of form he hadn't read anything about it, but he recalled Hermione telling him about it during one of their mysterious conversations.

'' There was nothing cryptical about it. Jasper made the same mistake I did by thinking he was an equal in their programme. I guess he was scared enough to want to order someone about his vision, but he chose the awry people. He saw his own death though not the manus that brought it to him, and then he saw your admirer up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and adjoin him from beyond for information. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his liveliness so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not have a verge, but she has mastered many other skills, first and foremost her astral jutting. They decided to pour down him so that she could commingle with his cognisance and send herself in his stead when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have seen something and stopped her friends from using the ring. It only made them want her on their position more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

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

'' I don't really know. '' She smiled, crossing her blazonry 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 practically a dupe of their plotting as you are, then perhaps you'd delicacy me well while we're stuck here together. ``

'' You made yourself a victim. '' He stated firmly, once more limit to keep himself from empathizing with her. He remembered her once telling him that the undecomposed way to pull up 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 miscellany of shame, sorrow and ire settee over her feature of speech. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't help himself, he had to know. `` If you were so intent on killing your Church Father, then why didn't you do it yourself, without involving them ? ``

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her feet and began pacing in turmoil. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the sole one who wanted him dead and he made sure enough that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my rightful identity as his daughter to reach 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 deal me over to Voldemort in a never-ending quest to gain favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became clear that my real name was going to be the only thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed person substantial patronage me up in lawsuit something went wrong. ``

'' And that's what Elise and Sarah promised you. '' He said quietly, watching her grow more upset as her level 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 covetous of the care Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his full to sabotage them. They figured there was too thoroughly a chance he'd material body out some parting of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must suffer tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grandmother had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her live on few 24-hour interval with her… I was in a vulnerable space and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the thing I'd been wanting for twelvemonth. ``

Fred had been careful during the hale conversation, wanting to pick up on any signs of dishonesty. For the start time he found one… her voice had gone up slightly in mass. It could be due to her gathering excitement as she recalled these events, but he had the shrewish feeling that affair hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it count how she and Elise came to join force play ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these interrogative sentence and expect any variety of answer. His lonesome hope was to go on and desire he could set up it all together himself. `` Do you regret killing your Church Father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to reckon him straight in the eye. `` Not for a 1 moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more affected role and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to plunk for out of this unharmed thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a component of kidnapping you… Elise made it very clear that despite the false evidence I left at the vista, she could very easily tie me to my Father's dying. I have no doubt that she would send me to Azkaban without a sec thought. So I had to opt, a pokey cell locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the ripe looking punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would get had to bring in that alternative. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to allow himself to be like all the early people she'd been able to wrap around her finger, he'd always been determined to be stronger than that from the number one moment she'd walked into his workshop. `` You're probably right… We'll never know though will we ? ``

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

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

Elanya smiled. It was a easy coyly positive smiling 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 theatrical role of the quite a little. '' He stalled.

She slowly walked over to lean on the edge of the mesa in front end of him. `` You know, there's only two reasons you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too much of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're Sir Thomas More than willing to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the simply other explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to admit it for some cryptical reason. ``

He leaned back in his chairwoman and crossed his arms as he regarded her with mistaken confidence. `` Or I've simply decided it's intimately not to go through life hating anyone. Of course, I could always make an exception if you'd care to push the issue. ``

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

'' Many metre over. '' He grinned easily, once more bask that he'd managed to ruffle her feathering by not playing directly into her hand.

'' I'm going for a walk. '' She announced, standing up and taking a thick breather. `` I cooked, you can scavenge. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off safety device. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to consider that she had things to hide from him here. But clearly her defeat with his want of gullibility had caused an oversight on her behalf and he knew he needed to withdraw advantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the dither that separated the space from the rest of the collapsible shelter and taking a cursory spirit around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned things to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to come across a communicating twist of some kind… or even better, his wand. After a long and thoroughgoing search, he came up with neither.

( happy chance )

Harry stared at Simon, trying to determine exactly what he thought of the other boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremum the guy had gone through in gild to cause a dewy-eyed conversation. But then, had Simon been right ? Would they throw listened had he simply approached them and asked to utter ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his anger and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we have it off that having you tell us all of this isn't function of the architectural plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so a great deal, then why wouldn't she go even a step further and send in the goof ? Surely she didn't expect them to take Simon the Canaanite seriously even if they did sleep with he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the truth as she wanted him to know it.

He sighed and shook his head. `` I had a touch 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 talk to you, I just don't know… anything is possible with her. ``

'' So as far as you know, Elise's unhurt program is to gather 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 more ascendency over herself than Harry could manage. But he tried to remain calm down, to think that they needed to know what they were up against… she still had her hired hand on his arm, trying in vain to help him be successful in relaxing though he could sense her edginess at what she was hearing.

'' It's part of her design. '' Simon seemed a bit incertain for the first sentence since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be able-bodied to at least stop her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd murder me if it helped her cause… She ensured they got rid of Jasper simply because she wanted you Luna, she knows you're a better seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped thwart hers and Sarah's plans a few times. She was trying to help Voldemort capture you, though she had no purpose of handing you over… she wants to convince you and Harry both to conjoin 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 measly sister. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a sizable fireball between them. She lifted it over her head and brought it down, engulfing her entire trunk in flame as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more powerful. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no indicant that anything out of the ordinary had just transpired.

Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sis do something like that before. `` right. '' He said at utmost. `` somebody should be. They already knew Harry was solid than Sarah, that's why they had to puddle surely he lost his exponent before they tried to talk to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to wipe out me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Neil Simon was telling them the true statement, 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 former boy that there lots of things he didn't know about the things that had been happening to him, his protagonist and his enemy. Elise had apparently been pulling various different strings for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to lick for them long before then. '' Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to lead you to the prison and right in front man of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Lord mean it was his idea to use Sarah's gift to try and get hold of you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to bolt down you, that you were going to get help in time to lay aside your life but not your index. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly kill us at my aunt and uncle's home. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantasma pain he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the quoin of his eye, he remembered her face covered in blood after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to preserve Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to bring together her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that night came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the only problem Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the woman is to a greater extent than a footling unhinged. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to toss off in strawman of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those citizenry she was forced to live with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as light than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to unite 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. confidence me, Elise let her cause it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost control when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the ring became her main anteriority above all else, including her prophylactic as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to becharm her for a forgetful clip as well as get your force back, she no longer thinks you're debile. ``

'' I'm flattered. '' Harry said sarcastically.

'' Does she get laid that we went into her computer memory while she was unconscious mind ? '' Luna asked, squeezing his arm as concern overwhelmed her.

But Simon stared back at her in surprise, allowing them to instantly make relaxed. `` No, not that I'm aware of. I certainly had no mind you'd done that… what did you see ? ``

'' Do not interest 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 head at to the lowest degree confirmed that the little girl were working together behind Voldemort's back.

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in place retentive 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 guess is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will line up the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as potential. Just because she and Sarah are unaired confidants doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a 2nd if it meant furthering their own agendum. allegiance means nothing to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the enchantment holding him in place. `` volition 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 bother. Luna said. Harry turned to look at her and realized she had that far off reflexion that meant she wasn't completely show in the room.

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

Simon leapt to his understructure to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his pocket and pulling out his flask from which he took a long gulping. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed lupus erythematosus shaky and nervous.

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

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

'' What are you going to severalise them about me ? '' Marvin Neil Simon asked, suddenly scared again. `` I never intended it to reverse 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 fault. '' Harry rolled his eyes. `` Just celebrate 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 present moment behind them. They were trusted to arrive behind Hagrid's hut where the chances 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 recollective story, Mione. '' Harry sighed. `` We'll tell you after we deal with Dumbledore. ``

She nodded and led the way through the halls to the Headmaster's berth. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left school land. '' She warned them. Sharing a tone with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the pile of a unspoiled student would soften the old wizard's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

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

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

'' I have no question that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice quivering as he tried to hide his angriness. `` 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 header. `` It's not that dim-witted. Like the ministry and certain former buildings, wizardly isn't enough to restore the damage. It must be rebuilt by hand to wield the strength of the appealingness we place upon our school day. And even if you did fix it, my hands are tied in regards to how we can handle this, especially after I've pushed so punishing to have the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

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

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe damage to one of our classrooms and then you all left school earth in direct violation of the code of conduct. I have to shoot this natural action before the less reliable of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escape cock and effort to take you all into detainment for questioning. Should that hap, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able to see that you get into the right hand script. '' Dumbledore seemed to slump down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a tight plaza and we must be deliberate how we proceed. ``

'' But wouldn't it be better to get a way to hold open us here ? The Aurors and anyone else could still get after us once we leave, but if we're here then we're more protected. '' Luna argued.

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too well-fixed for them to accuse me of favoritism and affair are too frail right now. The slightest thing could yield them the excuse to boot out me from here and put anyone they choose in home as headmaster. As you saw final stage time, there are too many impressionable young head here to allow that to pass. I refuse to let this shoal become a grooming ground for the next wave of Death feeder. Everyone must be free to choose the living they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our futures ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore ineffective to comprehend the pauperism to keep thing a sure way so that the office didn't slip in the enemy's favor.

Suddenly the office threshold swung open behind them and lupine came rushing in. `` Stop ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really carry anyone to think that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

'' Does it matter as long as there's mortal to blame ? '' He pressed. `` Tell them whatever you want… narrate them that the kids were working on a project for me and things went wrong. They left the school to total looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in trouble. That write up should be good enough. ``

'' You realize what will materialize if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low threshold of permissiveness for you. If you take the blame for the end to the classroom, if you insist these educatee only left schoolhouse to cut through up for you… then I'll have no choice but to can your usage here. ``

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

lupin reached out to grab his shoulder, using his considerable strength to force Harry back into his chairperson. `` I understand the consequences. I accept it. ``

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

Because, I feel I owe it to Saint James the Apostle and Lily to do everything in my big businessman to have you finish school day. I can't just let you screw it up with two hebdomad to go. He answered with a smile. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his breath and glanced at Luna and Herb Simon out of the corner of his eye and realized lupine wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt guilty that his cheeky action at law may cause them to lose out on their education. Letting out the breath slowly, he turned to expect at the sr. wizard, awaiting his determination along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his time studying lupine before at cobbler's last shaking his head and rising from his place. `` okay, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are capable to finish out the final two weeks of this semester, as it will be insufferable to replace you on such short-change posting. It's been a delight to have you here. ``

'' It's been wondrous being here. '' lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the office before the schoolmaster could change his mind. Marvin Neil Simon tried to die off from the group as soon as they were in the hall but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few affair to say to the former boy. They walked silently down to lupine's office, though the older man was the only one who seemed to be in a good mood.

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

'' Of course I'm certainly. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like teaching, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many things happening out in the world. And with you and Draco going away, there's really nothing to continue me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the strain when I have another selection ? So you see, I'm entirely irrefutable that this is the mightily thing to do. ``

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

Lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to subsist with early multitude'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 axial rotation of blank parchment and a fresh quill pen. `` Besides if I were to delay 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 time he'd helped get them out of their own passel. `` Plus Draco is going to need guidance in navigating life out in the real worldly concern where people don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to consume a reasonableness to lead my view early. The fact that it helps you kids 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 glare Harry had shot him for speaking at all.

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

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

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Herbert Alexander Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his feet. `` Just a slight fortuity caused by a dewy-eyed misunderstanding. '' She said at last, lowering her subdivision and pulling the hems of her sleeves down.

'' I see. '' He shook his read/write head and sighed. `` To serve your other musing… no one would listen if you tried to excuse what really happened. It's a play for power out there and no one is interested in the truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would convey a educatee's give-and-take on anything when they barely trust what the prof and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but admittedly fact that adding your epithet to anything will instantly cause it more complicated. But don't let it get to you, having enemies only means that you've stood up for something important. '' lupin answered with a pacify smiling. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must save to my married woman and inform her that we are soon to become a one income house 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 hold to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The price of rent is ridiculous these sidereal day. ``

Leaving him to publish his letter, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry grabbed Simon up by the straw man of his robe and shoved him back against the paries. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your babe won't have the chance to bump off you because she'll never find your consistency. '' He threatened, wanting to daunt the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

'' I promise I'm not setting you up ! '' He instantly replied, his eyes spacious and his heart banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in closemouthed to Simon's, tightening his adhesive friction and pushing against the boy's pharynx. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to severalise someone, get along straight to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other friends would certainly be the big mistake you'll ever make in your lifespan. ``

Simon nodded in agreement, clearly seeing in Harry's eyes just how much he meant his threats. `` I'll come right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and push 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 room before speaking to her. `` I'm not sorry about how I dealt with him. ``

She looked at him a minute before nodding slowly. `` okeh. '' She said quietly.

'' I know you're mad at me… '' He began pacing, feeling all of the vim and adrenaline he'd been building up since she'd first called out to him begin to guggle over as it tried to find some way to escape.

'' Of line I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very strange day and I'm still trying to process it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the edge of the bed as she watched him take the air around the way, allowing him to get out some of his pent up frustration.

Harry went to the windowpane and clutched the sill as he stared out over the shoal primer coat. He took several deep breather before turning back to her. `` But you really are okay, right ? ``

'' I'm mulct, 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 hazard to convert him that her version of events is the truth. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon was telling us his version of the verity and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their entirely 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 fountainhead is true ? Maybe they did love we'd figure out who the spy was and that we'd want to reckon in his head… what if they used Simon the Zealot to circularise around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to trust ? ``

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

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

'' I think that's the dependable for us… to assume she and Simon both are the opposition until they can definitively establish otherwise. '' She stood and came over to enclose her arms around his waist and hug herself against him.

He kissed the top of her head and returned the embracement. `` 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 insistent knocking came at the door and Harry went to let her in. `` So ? What happened ? '' She demanded, walking in and turning to present them both. Together they pieced together everything that had happened and filled her in completely on what Paul Simon had told them and what they'd concluded as a result. `` You're sure Elanya isn't being set up ? '' She asked, her face going white as she began to panic.

'' Almost completely overconfident, what's wrongfulness ? '' Luna went over to top Hermione to a chair.

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

'' You talked to Fred ? Did you let him jazz 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 tell him that we'd taken care of everything so he could leave without worrying… including that we knew who the spy was ! I told him that you guys found out that Elanya was a victim of Elise and Sarah's secret plan too… he thinks she isn't the opposition ! ``

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her feet and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this whole sentence but I saw her jeopardize to commit Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't starting line 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 to convert him to conceive her ? '' She stared at them in repulsion as every significance of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( breaking )

As soon as it was glowering, 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 construct a small ardour, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. Sure it was the more unmanageable way to do things, but at last his Fatherhood's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all affair muggle had paid off. Once sure the blazing had caught, he lay back to appear at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk and the foresighted she was gone the more sure he was that he didn't want to be there when she did show up.

She'd told him so many things and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too very much horse sense not to be true. 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 weigh ? And if it did, then why did it matter ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocent bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to kill her father, the other lady friend wouldn't have had anything to invite her into accepting their whirl. On the early hand, he was now capable to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to wipe out the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the good graces of an vicious man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his brother and was still unforced to get hold of out to the lady friend as it was clear even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to judge her ?

Clearly he didn't think as badly of her as he'd thought anyway… why else wouldn't he have just told her hated her ? It was the one matter 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 merely reason… because he didn't hate her. But so what ? Not hating soul wasn't exactly the Sami as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't trust her as far as he could throw her, but then, did that thing either ?

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

He sat up and whipped around to get Elanya standing in the tree diagram as if his cerebration of her had forced her to materialize there. Her hair's-breadth and wearing apparel were dancing softly in the fragile breeze and her oculus glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` Well, aren't you the observant one. '' He said sarcastically.

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

'' Think nada of it. I'm pretty sure our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were nix more than a pesky fray to him.

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

'' sopor wherever you want, what do I care ? '' Fred made surely to sound annoyed, hoping that if she did sleep on the beach, she would take to do it far from him. He heard her soft footsteps as she glided through the sand and then felt her endeavor to climb under the cover charge with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his pes. `` What the blaze do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' Fine, take my poppycock, it's all yours. I want to go for a drown anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water, repeating Hermione's name over and over in his forefront lest he tolerate himself to go back and do something stupid.

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

Despite the genuine care for his safety that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the water supply fully dressed. He continued on until his metrical foot could just barely touch the bottom before deciding that was far enough to deter her from following him. turning, he began swimming parallel of latitude with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his hand in front line of him and realized that is was more than the exercising that was making his tenderness backwash. It was very dark out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an subaquatic attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and rest for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to leave the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one more than day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to blank out what was real and it was becoming more hard not to fall into her news report. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as often Sand as he could and made his way into the Tree to look for some kind of shelter. Coming to the base of the marvelous mountain, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leafage, he quickly made himself a place to sleep before gathering enough wood to start a fire to retain him warm. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the chance to give thanks him in person very soon.

( BREAK )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not do it the claim details of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to know that she'd be mad to memorize they'd kept Fred's possibly being in problem from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would suffer to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was round-eyed really, while the professors and to the highest degree of the students were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, ceramicist, Luna and farmer were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever mass he'd gotten himself into. Dragon's job was to make sure 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 volition to hurt someone.

Taking a mystifying breath, he knocked on Ginny's room access. `` set up to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her robe and jammies, he realized she hadn't done lots since she'd left his elbow room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in reaction to the dumb flavor she gave him, closing the door as he walked in.

'' I don't want to go lookout man that stupefied biz today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to clutch to her body. `` I don't want to be a part of anything to do with Ron at the moment. ``

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

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

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

'' wellspring, thank you healer Draco, the Psychology Boy marvel ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

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

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

'' Oh ! lineal 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 give the attack. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wriggle it away from her so that he would be in self-control of all the plush ammo.

A knock on the door interrupted their battle and they both looked at each other in surprisal as they tried to fascinate their breath. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy smile. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to take in company. ``

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

'' Isn't it a bit inappropriate for young lady Weasley to have a male visitor this early ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit unfitting for a male instructor to come unsupervised to a female student's way this early ? Especially one who already has a swarm of distrust around his name ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the professor's relationship to Elise McKinney.

'' I've come with a message from the Headmaster. '' Erebos answered defensively. `` Not that I owe an explanation to any student. ``

'' fountainhead, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her room all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a belittled growl to escape his throat lest the man draw a blank what exactly he was. `` You can give me the message, I'll be sure enough she gets it. '' With his senses heightened, he was able to hear rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the door. Thankfully she was measured enough to keep herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective spate rushed through him and he knew only one thing, the only way the professor was getting in the room was over his dead body.

'' The Headmaster wishing to speak to Miss Weasley in someone. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to see her up to his authority. ``

'' And why wouldn't he send Professor McGonagall ? '' Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the head of the Gryffindor house and a much more probable candidate to go about Ginny on the schoolmaster's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your social class. Why would Dumbledore transport you ? '' He knew Ginny probably barely recognized the professor as she'd rather chew her own arm off than study Arithmancy.

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this song and dance they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch assisting Madame Hooch with getting the sphere ready for today's game. I was in the master's office for a meeting and so he simply sent me. ``

'' fountainhead, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm for sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallways. If he needs to tell her something authoritative, I'm sure he would have no problem paying her a visit. '' genus Draco said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the door to close it but the prof reached out to lay off it from swinging shut.

'' If fille 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 disturbed student she will insist on seeing her. ``

'' That's unnecessary. '' genus Draco said calmly while holding the room access so tightly in his helping hand he thought the wood would shatter in his handgrip. `` I asked therapist Drake to hold on by earlier. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in society to foil the professor's newest attempt 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 allow Erebos to come up with something else, he used his above normal strength to slam the door shut despite the man's endeavor to keep it open.

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

Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his pouch and cast a silencing charm on the room, both as a precaution and to try and conk before answering her. `` prof Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to start with honesty and go with it until he couldn't. `` They want him to get to you and Ron. ``

'' Why ? '' She asked, sinking down onto her bed in horror and confusion.

'' Well… because they have programme to take over the ministry. What unspoiled way than to use the Minister's children against him ? '' He held his breathing place. Technically what he'd said was true although that wasn't the understanding the man had decided to make a move today. But why worry her encourage by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the full tale or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the loose ends the others had had to tie up in order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would assert on doing something dangerously foolhardy in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` Poor dad… all he wants to do is hit a difference and now he has to endure in constant fright for us all because of it. ``

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

We may let a trouble. Dragon thought out to ceramist and Luna.

What happened ? Potter immediately answered.

Dragon quickly told them of Erebos's sojourn and the fact that he wouldn't be leaving Ginny's room at all that day. You're going to call for someone else down at the pitch looking after Weasley. He concluded definitively, implying that there would be no arguing with his decision to block himself in with Ginny.

( gaolbreak )

Harry had a horrible impression 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 time to go delivery Fred. At least the job of who was going to watch over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a quick call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and hang around the quidditch pitch, just in casing Erebos tried to get a wait of a different Weasley.

'' I heard the whistle. The secret plan's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with worry and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to visualize herself back to the island various times during the Nox but hadn't been able to line up him again.

'' Both of you grab one of those Scots 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 from being seen.

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a record book all about how there are flying firedrake on the island. I can't fit you both on my Scots heather 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 sentence that both girlfriend would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any more than he'd let her do anything like this without him… the line wouldn't be deserving it as they'd both just end up angry and she'd tip up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew better than to even out evoke she stay behind, despite them all being mindful of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both capable and tried to let that call back ease his discomfort.

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

'' Just take one anyway. '' He pressed with a smiling. `` At the very least, Fred will make love how to fly it should the penury arise. ``

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

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

As one he and Luna reached out to each take one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a loudly cleft, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard rocky basis beneath his feet, Harry hesitantly opened his eye to take care around. His breath caught in his throat as he took in their surroundings. Um, I think we may deliver just picked the high-risk potential billet to land. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to stimulate any disturbance 50 they wake the ten dragons currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their ling, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going slow for their interest, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the footing and rising into the air.

Flying away from the stack top and down toward the beach, he looked over his shoulder to insure on the girls. Luna seemed to stimulate gotten the bent of things after having been in the air a few metre before. But Hermione, who always chose to keep her feet on the ground if it was an pick, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the Calluna vulgaris and suddenly lost ascendency, letting out a loud shrieking as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' twist up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite accomplish it and she raised her arms to cover her fount as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! Look out ! '' He heard Luna vociferation. Apparently Hermione's initial howler had aroused more than his fright, it had woken the dragons. He quickly whipped to the leftfield as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to shoot at him. `` They hunt in pairs. '' Charlie's voice filled his head and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the early dragon that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to search the sky for her and found her far out over the H2O as she tried her best to dodge the four dragons chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to help oneself only to recognize that the other six Dragon had chosen to gang up up on him as they perceived him to be the better flyer and therefore the more life-threatening to them. One popped up in figurehead of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to overhear his bearings… but this 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 star sign of Luna and the two dragons that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the fauna but unfortunately he wasn't immediate enough and he felt one's rump knock into the back of his heather followed by the sound of a deep cracking sound. The broom started to come apart in his hands and he did his respectable to hold it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the nuisance as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

He could try the beast landing heavily behind him, too large to make their way through the dense woods. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to give out his declension. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shattered remains of another broom though he had no theme whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( BREAK )

Fred woke to a meretricious scream. For a second he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his metrical foot. Looking around, he remembered making a temp protection out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting shrieks filled the sky and he looked up to see those inscrutable creatures circling in the vivid first light 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 view of what the puppet actually was… a very large dragon with precipitous pincer, long dentition and wide wings tipped with dangerous looking horns.

Panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to remember everything Charlie had ever told him about these beasts. More than anything, he recalled his Brother saying that dragon were brute of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't wastefulness time trying to envision it out, he had to make sure Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the just other mortal on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these things. He raced through the trees back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to trip so far from it in the first place.

Being sure to keep himself late under the back of the trees, he approached their collapsible shelter and heard Elanya's phonation as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her back to him and completely alone, but he could separate that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you mean Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one bare task this morning… wellspring, you know what to do next. ``

Not waiting to hear 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 manus, showing him they were empty. `` cypher. '' She said innocently.

'' Who were you talking to and how ? And why are you talking about my sister ? '' He tried to shroud his panic, reminding himself that whatever was happening at least Draco was doing his voice in protecting Ginny from it.

More screech filled their air and they both glanced up in scare. Then she stared directly at him, her optic filling with sorrow. `` I have no alternative, you broke the regulation. '' She looked away, closing her eyes against her regret.

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

She pointed up at the dragons now circling dangerously low. `` The exclusively grounds they would leave their nest was if someone disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were right, your friend came after you… but that means you all have broken the rules and if I don't bring about the penalization for it then I'll be the one to incur it. I like you Fred, but your sibling'lives just aren't more important to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to hand in and be the better someone he wasn't quite sure she could be. `` I'll supporter protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all keep you safe. Just don't let them wedge you into hurting my Brother and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an unsure step toward him. `` You'd convince your friends to give me a chance ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reasonableness not to at the second. '' Fred replied, gesturing to the verge she still had pointed at them. He felt Hermione orbit out and take his paw as she used her former to extend wielding her own verge. Squeezing her fingers, he hoped they found a way out of this.

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

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

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

'' claim Erebos and tell him to leave alone Ron alone ! '' Hermione ordered, pointing her wand threateningly.

Elanya simply dropped the necklace to the ground and stomped on it, effectively destroying the communication device. `` What's done is done. You want retaliation, come and take it. '' She dared them.



note of hand : Provided there are no more horrible fortuity with my information processing system or flash drive, look for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

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





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to see nothing worse that a few scrapes and scratches. Unfortunately the broom hadn't survived as well and lay a few feet away in pieces. glad 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 glimpse up through the treetop let her bed why. several flying dragon seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to come assist her… it was up to her to calculate out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to block up with indecision, there were too many hoi polloi counting on her and more than that, she wanted to evidence to herself that she was capable of branching out on her own.

It was a good deal hotter here than it was back at school and so the first thing she did was strip off her jacket before she fainted of heat exhaustion. She knew that she had to start moving and preferably with a determination. Using her sceptre as a locator, she made her way through the woods, trying not to look anywhere but right in front of her. She didn't want to become cark, 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 offer to serve the other missy if she would foretell to yell off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped short as she saw Elanya pull her own wand out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the heart if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the not bad affair he'd ever seen, making her feel more confident in the look of the other fille. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As right as it felt to have him have her, she was heedful to proceed her scepter up l Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

'' We have to ascertain Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to trust they would have clock 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 make us require 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 measure forward and pointing her wand more directly at Hermione.

'' What does it count if it's avowedly ? '' 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 believe her over me ? '' Elanya offered them a sweetened smile that dripped with toxicant intentions.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the instant. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that present moment that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to commit his own instincts. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her costless hand to pack his, wanting him to hump that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her hand in regaining, accepting that she was going to be there with him no subject what.

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's time to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her verge, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a carapace around herself and Fred to deflect the magic spell. Before she could return 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 pop Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most likely Professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and charge several peach in nimble chronological succession but the other girl was fast, raising her buckler in time before attempting to go off back and disarm her. By this time Fred had gotten to his human foot and back into the midst of things, forcing Hermione to stem her attempt so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` acquire 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 pal will die. ``

'' song Erebos and tell him to go away Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as important phonation as she could muster.

Elanya looked directly at her and dropped the necklace to the undercoat, stomping on it and ruining their lonesome opportunity to bid off the professor from killing Ron. `` What's done is done. You want revenge, fall 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 female child had to dodge rather than shield, sending Hermione's spell to shatter the trees behind her. Seeing what a dangerous trance she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the dirt from her clothes. `` wellspring, I suppose we've moved past times sweetheart then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the verge she'd dropped in her haste to move out of the way.

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

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few other incantations, turning the tent into their own minuscule fortress ... they were advanced spells she'd only practiced once in the safety device of a classroom setting. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to accomplish it here while her heart was racing and panic gripped her judgement. They could hear Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling spell after piece at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will hold. '' 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 affair 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 switch the matter over.

'' When it came to spending my money, Elanya spared no expense. Top of the product line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop up a close towel. sure enough enough, his sceptre was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shooting of embossment knowing that she wouldn't be the entirely one armed. His own relief was evident as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a look that sent quiver through her body. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his mitt around her neck, pulling her grimace to his so that he could passionately enamor her back talk. He kissed her with such astuteness and thirst that she was left feeling dizzy and had to reach out and grab him to keep her legs from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his branch around her shank he deepened the snog even more before breaking it off and resting his head against hers. They were both left breathless and happy to once more be so close. `` I'm really happy to see you. '' He whispered.

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

'' Yeah, well, I'll make it clear-cut when I have Thomas More meter to make my point. '' Fred grinned before turning grave once more. They could still hear Elanya out there, doing everything she could to infract the shelter charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to view their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm open to hypnotism. ``

He scratched his head and turned to gaze at her a moment before breaking into a smiling. `` Of course ! If I can fool my own mother then it should be wanton to fool Elanya. ``

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

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

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his wand over her to conjure her up a double of her own. Moving hers to stand succeeding to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look soundly enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' wellspring, I certainly don't have a better musical theme. '' She moved to conceal herself behind the turned-over stove, as Fred took their silent two-bagger and instructed them to choke 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 hatchway and quickly came over to scrunch beside her just in slip Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come lookup the collapsible shelter. `` Here goes nix. '' He whispered.

( BREAK )

beingness capable to stand down on the plain, Ron almost felt like he really was part of the game and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him have this one small piece of what made him happy. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them perpetrate ahead in the scotch, cheering them along as any good coach-and-four would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the field but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was assoil and very common cold. He huddled deeper into his jacket after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the scotch jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's party favor, he decided it was safe to hold a break and go down to the refreshment stand for some hot drinking chocolate to warm his interior. Making his way through the storage locker rooms, he took the departure leading outside the arena and nearly ran into someone trying to establish their way in. `` Oh, excuse me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to find. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an endeavour at a friendly grin… but the tightness at the box of his mouth indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

'' I'm not exactly sure. There is a youthful woman out in the Wood who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his berm at the Forbidden Forest. `` She wouldn't provide me to see her face, so I can't be sure… but she looked very much like misfire Patil, who has gone missing. I've come to find you because she was so insistent but I think I must also go to the schoolmaster and inform him that one of his missing students has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Parvati was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter off yesterday through lupine, he wasn't even sure it had adequate clip to arrive to her so that couldn't be what labour her to get back. He had to babble to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could picture up and transport her running. `` Just let me go see her first. ``

Erebos shook his question. `` I don't know, I think it's important… the young woman's parents are still here hoping she'll be found. It's cruel to not tell them and charter the hazard that she'll run again. ``

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

'' OK, how about this ? I'll go with you into the woods to see her, I'll let you two have your consequence of seclusion and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the only way I'm assured that Miss Patil will give back to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the back of the sports stadium to the Forbidden forest. They walked pretty far into the trees, deepening Ron's suspicions to the breaker point where he was quick to twist back. `` Annapurna got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the Ellen Price 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 grounds for you to come into the Grant Wood with me. ``

He swallowed the with child lump of fright and terror that had risen in his pharynx. `` Why ? '' He tried to hold his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To belt down you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate unforgivable curse. And then the man was screaming in annoyance as his sceptre burst into flaming in his handwriting, forcing him to drop it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his sack for his verge before turning to find Jacey standing a few yards behind him, her own sceptre in one hand and a tumid ball of fervency in the other as she angrily stared down the professor. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the first words he'd chosen to mouth at the muckle of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of someone clapping filled the air. Ron's eye widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a expectant tree, slowly applauding them. `` well done. '' She laughed.

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

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you regretful than that when you've angered me less. '' Elise giggled before turning her attention specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd come. I was so very curious to feel out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a totally new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as easy to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her sleeve and producing her own powerhouse in her hands. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your audition. '' She taunted.

( BREAK )

Luna just couldn't stir off the last two Draco chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the ocean she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the wight wouldn't give up the chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't answer, making her very nervous. She could palpate that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a voice of her mind had shut off and she was completely unable to communicate with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powers, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able-bodied to know where to go to invalidate being hit by claws, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instincts were well in tactfulness as she knew she certainly wasn't the effective flier.

She swooped low to deflect one tartar and then quickly turned right to deflect the other. Her feet skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a long arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a strange speech sound below her, she took the chance and looked down only to detect a small speedboat zooming through the body of water headed the same steering she was. Feeling the firedrake 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 turgid sunglasses. hunch shot through her and she raced ahead, desperate to monish Harry.

At last she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the other eight tartar were. They were circling, clearly doing the same thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must deliver landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in Hope that he would see her. She let out a surprised scream when two of the Draco suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her grip as she'd seen Harry do, she made a penetrative leftfield and headed back out over the water where four more dragons waited. Once again changing her traction, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! depend OUT ! '' She heard Harry thigh-slapper from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to call out.

It took a second too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the pair of Draco that had been laying in wait among the treetops had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, in high spirits over the island hoping to miss them among the fluffy white cloud. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the brute grab the end of her broom and extract her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself begin to dislodge fall. cerebration as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her descent until she was able to lightly place her invertebrate foot on the terra firma. Her relief quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the dragons'draw close. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had just used his wand to piece the Calluna vulgaris he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to get an out of the question sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten firedrake. Seeing two of the beasts break off from the group and cover themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather intelligent tool were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his thinker but while he could still find that constant connector to her, it was as if someone had cut a wire somewhere and all he could hear was a telephone dial tone. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hired hand around his mouth and screamed out a monition to her, hoping she was able to see him. If she did, it was too late. The other Draco had forced her to fly toward their trap and the two concealing leapt out to surprise her. She photograph upwards but to no help as one reached out and grabbed her Calluna vulgaris. She fell off as the creature snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's eye period for a moment. But this time she had her scepter and was able to slow her autumn, but when he saw where she landed his heart dropped entirely into his breadbasket. The dragons had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, intention on ousting the intruder.

terror swept through him and he hurried to finish the final fixture on the heather. Hearing a motorized sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin, allowing a familiar woman to jump down and face him. `` how-do-you-do Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old booster, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

'' I don't have fourth dimension for you. '' He said. Knowing she didn't have a verge, he pointed his at her threateningly as he mounted the broom.

'' So I saw… seems your little champion fell into the unseasonable place. '' She grinned. `` maintenance to get some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

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

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

( breach )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibility cloak tightly around herself and closed her centre, doing her advantageously to contract on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of path, she was still getting the hang of the completely matter and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the arena. In fact, she wound up inside the castle, just beyond the doors to the Great Hall. With a sigh of frustration, she made certainly she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course she had agreed to facilitate keep an eye on Ron… she just had no idea why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to handle thing on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him larn just how much he needed his admirer. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would kill him… She also could not abandon Ron because some part of her knew that his end would mean her own as well. He had made a valid stage the other night, they did not know each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of luck. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was more than bequeath to see what came of that attractive force as she had already admitted that his letter is what ultimately made her settle to come here in the first gear place… she only hoped he would come to his senses long enough to-

She stopped short in her tracks as she realized she may sustain arrived too late. Just beyond the domain, she saw two figures slip quickly into the Forbidden forest and she was sure of at least one of their identities. The early 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 to a greater extent speed and lupus erythematosus hindrance. At finish she came upon them and take in she had been counterbalance on both accounts, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and uncertainness as he was led further into the trees.

'' Anapurna got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the Ellen Price Wood ? '' He asked. Jacey was angry on his behalf, upset that the professor was uncoerced to use such an open injury to pull a fast one on him into coming out here.

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and iniquity grinning. `` Sorry for the trick Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a ground for you to number into the woodwind instrument with me. ``

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

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

Ron pulled out his own baton before turning to see 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 scathe to still see anger under the surprise in his eyes as he stared at her.

The audio of someone slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to recover Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the trees. 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 genuine amusement.

'' The little gripe burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you forged than that when you've angered me less. '' She laughed again. Then ignoring both male person, she spoke directly to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd come. I was so very odd to find out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a unharmed new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as slowly to dispatch 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 hearing. ``

Putting her verge in her pocket so that both of her hands were absolve, Jacey let the flames flare out of her braggy and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to begin her tone-beginning, hurling clod of flame one after the other. Engulfing her stallion body in fervor, Jacey was able to take over whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to find very warm. Run before this bed covering ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit busy at the instant. He answered. She glanced over to incur him alternatively trying to put out the flaming spreading through the wood and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his wand and was trying to cook it make with his undamaged paw. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the wand to execute his spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu attempt at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her sceptre but Elise only renewed her effort, making it acquit that she intended this conflict to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no pick but to fight fire with fire. It was more than Ron's water spell could stay fresh up with and if they didn't find a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would overspread. She did her best to center on controlling and containing them to their pocket-size domain but it lessened the sum of concentration she could grant to the actual engagement and found herself more on the defensive attitude that she would get thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't fear where the attack bedcover was giving the cleaning lady an edge over her but there was nada she could do about that, she had to do her best to contain the hurt her big businessman caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more aid away from the battle, she called out to Draco as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for service. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her broad tending back to the moment at hand. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her probability and used everything she had to sprout a jet stream of fire directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flames flickered out and everything went dark.

( BREAK )

'' What do you think of you have to go service Jacey ? '' Ginny demanded as genus Draco grabbed his pelage. They'd been quietly lounging together in her room as they studied and she'd been enjoying the rather elusive worry-free moment… even if they had barricaded themselves in to void Professor Erebos.

Looking at his face, she could tell he wasn't any more delight with the musical theme of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the shoal earth and she and Erebos have your pal cornered out in the woods. '' He answered honestly, in too a lot of a hurry to attempt lying. `` Trust me, the only reasonableness I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open the door to anyone until I get back, okay ? ``

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

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in trouble because she's distracted by thoughts of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of a good deal help if we add your welfare to our tilt of business organization. ``

'' Need I remind you again that you aren't an god god or even a superhero ? You're a rule guy who got stuck with a being a werewolf and are just as capable of burning to death as I am. '' She gripped his branch, unwilling to let him get out her sight.

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

She stared at him a import, letting the rack turn in her head as she figured out what to do. `` Fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at cobbler's last, too concern about Ron and Jacey to stay fresh him any longer.

He seemed suspicious but he had no choice former than to accept her agreement. Leaning in to quickly kiss her goodbye, he then turned and fled the way. Walking over to her window, she waited until she saw him zip across the school grounds… he was faster than any homo she'd ever seen and she could empathise why he liked going out to run so much- it must be impossible to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coat she fled her way, rushing through the Charles Martin Hall and out the front door. She would proceed her promise not to follow after him… but she wasn't going to take into account him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school staff sat. Unfortunately, the person she wanted to verbalise to was also sitting next to the individual she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at stake, her crony's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' Lupin asked with a friendly grinning as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the master, she took a deep intimation and spoke to lupin. She knew it was best to keep mention of Jacey and Elise out of affair with so many ears around and so she made her pointedness as clear and concise as possible. `` Draco ran out into the woods to try and stop professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need aid. ``

( BREAK )

Fred waited a beneficial two minutes to be indisputable Elanya was gone before turning to lift the bottom of the collapsible shelter behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her script, he led the way as they ran from the only when thing that had been able to protect them. He tried to repeatedly call out for Harry and Luna but neither of them answered. `` It's like they can't get a line me at all ! '' He said aloud in thwarting as they carefully made their way through the Tree, keeping an ear out for any polarity of Elanya closing in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the zip field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with most piloting tools, even the magical ones. It's the master reason it's so hard for the great unwashed to find these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave frequence Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stuck finding them the old forge way. '' He tried to use his wand to lead him towards the penny-pinching living human but the stupid affair kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

'' Unless… '' She looked upward and he followed her gaze. There were respective dragon still out and they seemed to be attacking their own nest. `` You don't think… ? ``

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the only if solvent was that their admirer were up there and in a lot of hassle. `` I guess we try to wax it. '' He walked toward the home of the mountain until he heard a small screeching of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her foot from a rather ugly looking plant. Originally mistaking it for some kind of shrub, they had walked by unaware… but now the affair had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like jutting that were attempting catch Hermione and pluck her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the plant life seemed to be resistant to magic and null he tried would give it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the plant life. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a enceinte rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The flora let out a pitiable sound, indicating it could feel pain. In an attempt to free herself, Hermione reached for another rock and helped him circumvent the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her weapon, he pulled her to her invertebrate foot and they scrambled away before the strange shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing time. He'd certainly never come across a works like this before in all his meter wandering the island though he'd definitely found some weird ones. Of track, other than last night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this close to the base of the tidy sum. He gave tacit thanks that he hadn't passed by this matter in the dark.

'' Let's just maintain going. '' Hermione seemed shaky but specify and so he nodded and went on, this meter ensuring they remained side by English. It was a short walk and looking towards the sky, they were capable to see that the way to the top of the spate wasn't exactly uncoiled up… that was a good affair, making it less potential that they would return to their deaths while attempting this. `` Okay, we just want to observe the right place to depart. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the jolting wall and respective different way of life up.

Fred took a different feeler, walking right up to the tidy sum and trying out the handholds and footing in a few places. Taking a few Sir Thomas More dance step to the left, he reached to rise up only to experience the sway give way under his script. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the ground, 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 crepuscle. '' He shouted back, groaning in pain as he sat up to take a look at himself. Feeling around on the land he recovered his wand and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately see 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 wrong and he could see the total thing swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just give me a minute to gather myself. '' Putting as little free weight on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his invertebrate foot. Only once he was standing did he actualise he seemed to hurt everywhere including the berm that had been broken last year during the quidditch peer against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the bottom of his shirt in his mouth to smother any sounds of pain he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a here and now he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the sentiency of relief that told him that he'd achieved the answer he'd wanted, his articulatio humeri was back in it's proper stead. Panting from the endeavor he wiped the travail from his face and took a few steadying breathing space. `` Okay, cook ! '' He called out.

Instantly his feet carefully left the basis, leaving him to feel as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some invisible giant. He put his wand in his air pocket as he rose up, wanting to suffer both manus free to help pull himself exculpated of the surprisingly belittled orifice he'd fallen through. At finale he was able-bodied to see Hermione, using her wand to mastermind his advancement. Reaching up, he grabbed the sharpness of the rocky opening. `` I need you to keep propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good clutches with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her tightness, trying to only give him an spare cost increase as he struggled to draw out himself free. Now being forced to use all the strength in his limb, he was sword lily that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscles a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' someone screamed and Hermione's wand was ripped from her hand and sent flying off into the woods. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his grip and struggled through the pain to find a foothold lest he fall back down into the cavern. He scrambled to reserve onto the rocks despite how sharp-worded they were… once he felt steady, he was able to bet up and see Elanya staring at them with a across-the-board smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so long to dispatch those doubling you sent running out… it seems you're a unspoilt conjurer than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his bruise leg to help press him through the muddle. But the more pressure he tried to put on it, the Thomas More dull it seemed to grow… almost to the point where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to reach back for his wand but letting go of the rock 'n' roll made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the forcefulness in his subdivision to pull himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new decision, he decidedly placed his feet and pushed off with them, gritting his dentition against the nuisance. From there he was capable to pass out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( BREAK )

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

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

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

'' She's indisposed at the consequence. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his feet and pointed his wand with a water tour on the tip of his tongue and ready to be used. `` So, her name is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own verge. `` What else can you tell me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just ask a minute to regain and concentrate my push. He heard Jacey's voice whisper through his fountainhead. Do not engage her… Draco is on his way to help.

audition that she was uninjured, relief swept through him so quickly his knee joint almost buckled out from under him. `` Nothing to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his attention back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only one to be seen with the secret castle guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can evidence me everything I want to know. Of course, seeing how loath you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always coerce you to tell me. Though if we have to go that itinerary, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you require to know ? '' He asked, hoping to buy time.

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

'' I know she's a liar. '' He said quickly. `` I know I can't trust anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly restate every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to screen out out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the fair sex to believe there was no intellect to cerebrate she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and frailty versa ... or even just, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrible, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the things he'd said in the past… and even after he'd uttered such ugly nonsense, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those things, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

'' A good liar can be of heavy use. '' Elise nodded approvingly. `` Unfortunately, it seems you are of no use at all. ``

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his school principal and he saw her leap to her feet behind Elise who had once again raised her hands to conjure her fire. Before he could brandish his sceptre to shield, person roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his foot and carrying them both away faster than Ron thought possible. It only took him a bit to recognise who had just may have saved his life.

'' We have to go back for Jacey ! '' He yelled to genus Draco who immediately turned them around.

As they approached the two young lady still whipping fervor at each other without much maintenance as to what was around them, person shouted `` impedimenta ! '' forcing Dragon to slip and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his baton, Ron leapt to his metrical unit as Draco fought the turn he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any skinny to chafe. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's baton tauntingly. `` Looks like your friend dropped this. '' He grinned. `` fourth dimension to see how much you've really learned while you've been here at Hogwarts Mr. Weasley. ``

There was no metre to be aflutter, he instantly cast a cuticle having seen the man prepare to throw a spell at him. Within a second he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a varlet from Jacey and Elise's account book shooting a stream of flaming from his baton that met the spray of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his absorption he repeated the spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as define and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A flourishing articulation surrounded them.

And then suddenly the affaire d'honneur was over as Erebos was bound from pass to toe in battlefront of him. Ron took several deep breaths and lowered his wand as Dumbledore and Lupin came forward. The magical spell meant to keep on Dragon at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up next to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only loud enough for him to hear.

'' Don't reference it. '' He answered grimly.

Dumbledore walked over to gaze down at his disgraced professor. `` well Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be able-bodied to talk your way out of. '' He said with a slight yet prideful smile.

( open frame )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a small opening across the nest the seemed to conduct into the mountain. She instantly ran towards it though she was incertain even her short and slight physical body could wring through. intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the priming with a small scream of scare as she felt one of the massive beast fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a lulu at the beast's partner as it swooped in to make it's own attempt at catching her. The spell seemed to bounce off the flying lizard's fell, having no essence other than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the slope as it snapped at her before flying off to render the next twain their spell with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna dig toward the cave gap. She was tempted to use her wand and shoot the cakehole open wider, but she worried that might possibly break up the constancy of the mountain. The last affair she wanted was to escape the savage only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely capable to coerce through, turning her body sideways to gain it.

She screamed as she felt a penetrating knife thrust of pain and turned, using her scepter to burn the tartar who had grabbed her arm before she could fully obscure herself. This seemed to have more than effect than anything else as the beast let out a mighty shriek of pain in the ass and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her foot. With a sick feeling in the pit of her abdomen, she lit her verge and covered her mouth to hold back the scream of horror she wanted to unleash. Several bones littered the flooring of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both creature and humans.

Remaining near the initiative, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the damage done to her arm. Seeing two large bloody gashes in the arm of her coating, she shrugged it off feeling far too warm up anyway. Tearing off the rest of the ruined sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her peel and found that, while painful, the abrasion 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 than a little protruding to learn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the combat of fabric that had once been her arm to enfold the wound and quell the bleeding.

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

'' I'M Hera ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow-minded gap to return to the nestle. Peering out from the cakehole, she caught the impossible sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to distract and dissever the Draco. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past respective boulders, using her telepathy to ping them over onto the yoke of Dragon that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attention back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and Forth until he was capable to tease all of the dragons back into the air. They may not be able to communicate in their principal at the bit, but she knew him well enough to guess what he wanted her to do. As soon as the concluding firedrake had taken trajectory, she ran out into the open where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her tooth, she threw her helping hand in the air as he passed over and struggled to hold on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on flak with painful sensation as she struggled to climb up onto the heather with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her mind until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll cast. '' She assured him, taking her wand from her mouth and turning to shoot a watercourse of fervency at the two dragons that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the beasts to dive away.

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the water. As they descended, Luna was able to crap 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 postdate. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was able to recognise the two people on the gravy boat and as soon as she made the link she knew she was right. `` That's impossible… '' She said breathlessly.

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his capitulum slightly to hear her better. She could feel his thwarting at not experiencing the complete access to her thoughts 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 word of advice as the air suddenly exploded in a shower of fire all around them.

( pause )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okay before focusing on herself. She went into her own head, trying to gather her energies and refuel her attack. Sending her judgment out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did sleep with that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to reveal that she would come up to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's mentation overpowered his and she was capable to see that the woman intended to get rid of the simply person there to witness whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her fundament. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the exact present moment 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 discover that at some point it had fallen out of her pocket. Cupping her hand, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the adult female square in the rear before she could light herself on fire to immerse the liaison. This caused her not only to shout out in pain but Sir Thomas More importantly, to completely draw a blank about chasing after the boys.

She quickly lit and extinguished herself before turning to Jacey. `` And I thought it was only those on Voldemort's side who struck people in the dorsum. ``

'' You do not know me or what I have been capable of in the past… I could have just as easily joined the early English. '' Jacey replied darkly, trying not to let herself think of anything in her past.

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his allies can leave you. '' Elise grinned. `` tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you loyal and with LE trouble that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the solitary 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 history Elise was offering and had only recently been able-bodied to throw off the hamper of that kind of existence… The one where you could trust no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt only and scared and were forced into being someone you are not in ordination to survive. She was make for the sprightliness that came with being Harry's ally and a member of the coven… She was ready for the sort of friendly relationship you would risk your life for even after arguing and she was ready for the freedom of being able-bodied to say and do what she wanted, of being able to care about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' seed now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just imagine if you joined us, imagine the reality after we win this war… we'll be able to forge it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about virtuoso and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can induce as much devastation as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the safe interest of all if we could pass on some sorting of agreement. ``

'' So then you concede the competitiveness. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the woman's poorly composed sales pitch.

'' I'm dong no such thing. '' She assured her, once more inflammation herself on fire in case Jacey decided to throw another ball of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more meeting her middle. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to give Elise the satisfaction of distracting her, she quickly conjured the enceinte ball of fire she could and sent it flying at the woman at top upper, knocking her to the flat coat. Circling around so as to never deliver her back to Elise, she scanned the trees for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to agitate off whatever spell was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this battle, she saw Elise accomplish out from the undercoat and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her limb to shield her foreland as the tree next to her exploded in flame. `` sufficiency ! '' A loud, authoritative vocalisation reverberated through the trees. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

Relief flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and Lupin rushing over to Ron, Dragon and Erebos. `` wellspring, I guess this means it's time to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one to a greater extent surprisal eruption of fire before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! arrest her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few feet of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several tree on fire as a distraction to keep them busy. Leaving it to the others to keep the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her pursuit. She thought she was alone until she felt Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible focal ratio. Do not let her pee it past the school's edge ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the auspices charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'borders, she'd be able to go anywhere.

eyesight that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a small harder and mad a wild dive, tackling the adult female around her peg and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to strike back. He threw up a shell around himself to throw off the flame. `` You have to let me exit, Harry and Luna's spirit may depend on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you entail ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the same time.

She reached up and pulled a small magnetic disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in unvarying communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us know that your friends had finally arrived on the island to save Fred. Now she's telling me that the dragons are alert 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 book written by Charlie Weasley… those Draco aren't the kind that breath flack, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to help, but they're only three multitude against a swarm of beasts. If I don't go and assist, two of your friends and one of mine might just become some sorry beast's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a billet she could apparate from.

Draco uncertainly raised his baton to arrest 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 run together just this once in the interest of saving our friends'spirit. After we can go mightily 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 bunker. Draco silently warned her.

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in bother. Jacey replied. Quickly making her choice, she rushed to take Elise's paw and allowed the woman to whisk off them away before Draco could halt them.

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left to miss the Draco only to feature to swerve immediately decent to duck the human dynamo that shot past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her sceptre and now held onto him tightly with both arms as it was clear that his flying was the only thing that was going to get them through this. He didn't annoyance to distract himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a dragon or plummet into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a boat with Elise as both girls flung fire in the air to chase off the creatures. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and cheering, he wished they could discuss their options and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to help. He felt frigid and isolated being cut off… not only from her idea but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' Head down to the boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed past them to lightly land and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you conceive ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to attain his way though fire and dragons.

'' Jacey's down there alone with the both of them ! '' She yelled back. `` Like it or not, we have to go. ``

'' I can't be sure to dodge dragons with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to put down and direct the early broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the the pits out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her grimace in his backrest in provision for the sharp bead he was about to take a crap. Fixing his suitcase he shot straight down, streaking past several Draco until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to mail out blast flares to keep the beasts at bay as he softly set his base down on the bow of the pocket-size boat. Sarah immediately started the locomotive and twitch forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the wheel and swung around, speeding away from the island.

'' What are you doing ? ! '' Harry demanded as he and Luna helped each former to their feet.

'' Getting us away from here, what does it search like ? '' She stared at him as if he were stupid before gesturing to the ass of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their exponent to fend off the four firedrake 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 weight 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 guardianship of themselves… and unlike you, I could wish 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 drift through the urine. They had apparently gone far enough to guarantee the Dragon that they had no intentions of returning to their draw close. The savage had finally given up the pursuit and headed back home. `` I didn't think it would take all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

'' You wanted us to occur here ? '' Harry asked doubtfully.

'' Of course. '' Elise laughed. `` We knew you'd want to come after Fred and so he proved his first use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

'' We just never thought it would take you this farseeing to forecast thing 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 glances at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed Tristan. Yet again he wished he still had the power to go into their minds to see if it was admittedly. `` I thought he was supposed to making you both immortal in Voldemort's name. '' He said, not wanting to give himself away while at the same metre hoping to get a few more answers than St. Simon had been able-bodied to provide.

'' We haven't yet decided whether we'll go through with that. '' Elise shared a smile with Sarah as if they were sharing some common soldier gag. `` We're still weighing the pro and cons of immortality… but it's important to always appear agreeable to Lord Voldemort. '' She laughed.

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

'' It's simple, we wanted to read just how equal to we are in getting what we want and how strategical it would be for you three to join us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other champion would give us the prospect to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big gestures are the only way to gain masses heed ... '' Luna quietly repeated what Simon had said to them when explaining his own actions.

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm gladiola you see my point. But clearly whatever was going on up at the palace was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win post. Of course the stupid man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your acquaintance lupin for what they are, though he's too proud to accept it. When Dragon refused access to Ginny, making it clean-cut that the only way Dolos was reaching her was through a scrap with him, our to a lesser extent than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight 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 belt down Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in trouble and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to come to your saving. ``

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

'' He is alright. '' She assured him and Luna. `` Erebos may not be… stopping point I saw, Dumbledore seemed extremely pleased to have him in hands. ``

'' It doesn't matter in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you conceive I left the changeling behind to whatever fate befell him ? Even if he decided to turn on me, he knows nix of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two weeks left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely spendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all making. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a wad, I provided my persona and he provided his. Just because he got catch up with doesn't mean I had any obligation to help… he made his choice to get involved in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his top dog. ``

'' A poor deterrent example to get a line the hard way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her promontory in mock brokenheartedness before smiling brightly. `` In any case, we got exactly what we wanted even if we had to sacrifice Dolos. Now we know Jacey. ``

'' It's okay, Dolos was very respectable at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to comfort Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring dagger of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume bollock, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the same cryptical somebody Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his friends made especial head trip up there to see. We knew putting Ron's life in danger would bring you running, especially if Harry and Luna were busy elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to kill Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to break Jacey from punching Sarah in the face as it was clear she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no rationality. We obviously want nada to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connection to each former was strong enough for her to realise what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and take up a small step sideways toward the broom Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the sauceboat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the hint. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to communicate with each other… just a add up understanding of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the binding of his shirt to point that she was ready. It had taken a subject of seconds but they were ready 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, certainly to move fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

'' Let's go find Fred and Hermione and go home ! '' Jacey shouted unnecessarily as they rushed back toward the island with the speedboat in hot by-line below them.

( BREAK )

'' What do you require ? '' 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 rophy around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to stand directly in social movement of her, her golden centre glaring with a pestilent fire. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million things that she would make liked to say in return. But without her scepter, the last affair she wanted was to turn over the girl another reason to wish her dead.

'' zippo to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's okay, I have my own way of finding affair out. '' She tightly clutched her wand before reaching out to grab Hermione's hand, the same one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in repulsion as the girl's middle rolled up into her school principal and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hand in a death travelling bag and dragged her Down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of visual sense of the past tense. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself relinquish. For a brief bit she considered going into the George H.W. Bush to look for her wand but remembering her last skirmish with strange foliage, she decided it would be best to consider Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the girl's digit apart.

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

Reaching deep interior herself, Hermione gathered every bit of strength she had and getting her legs under the other girl, she kicked out and managed at last to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in moderation as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her groundwork, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her sceptre. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your animation like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the illusion of escape isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a fountainhead start. Run. ``

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

'' Well, that's your perquisite. '' She smiled with unbalanced delight and got set to cast. `` I wish I could say it's been gracious knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her optic and waited for impingement. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another while straight at Elanya that sent her flying several thou back through the trees until she hit one hard enough to criticize her out. She turned to find him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself relinquish with a leg that even from here looked extremely egotistical. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's scepter had flown earlier. It shot into his bridge player, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the scepter and kneeling adjacent to him.

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

'' Ferula. '' She quickly created a splint despite his affirmation that nothing was broken. After all she couldn't exactly carry him, she needed him to be capable 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 system of weights on it. ``

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

'' We have to obtain Harry and Luna. They're the but one who can get us out of here. '' She pressed.

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

They both kept an eye on the spot Elanya had landed as she ventured into the tree diagram to look for a piece of wood long and sturdy enough for their function. At last she found one and rushed back over to help Fred climb to his feet. Throwing his former arm around her articulatio humeri, he was eventually able-bodied to rule a way to use both her and the make-shift walking stick to his best advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we send for out for them since they can't seem to discover us in their psyche ? '' 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 Dragon that now seem to feature calmly returned to their cuddle. '' He answered gloomily.

'' Well, that's the kind of posture that'll get us through this. '' She said sarcastically.

'' Sorry. '' He muttered. `` I think our best bet is to go down to the beach. If they're still out there somewhere, that's the Best place for them to see us. Calling out would only secern Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' Okay then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the Andrew Dickson White horse either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too lots insistency. ``

They walked on in comfortable muteness, as felicitous as they could be given their situation. To his acknowledgment, Fred didn't request that they stop to rest until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the loose. Moving over to a group of little bowlder, she helped him sit while keeping the rocks and water at their backs and their eyes able to see the shoetree subscriber line and anyone who may wander out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a short while, shading his middle as he searched the afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the time to scream and get their care. '' He said, struggling to use the rock-and-roll to help oneself bear on himself to his animal foot. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the trees into the sand. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at shoemaker's last Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her foundation, Hermione looked down and gave a minor screaming as various boastfully sea pubic louse scuttled across the guts towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the tree diagram, pointing her wand at Fred and sending the diminutive tool she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to aid fend them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an invisible force only to end up at Elanya's feet. `` That should keep back him occupy enough for us to finish what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( prisonbreak )

These stupid crab louse just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob learning ability as they swarmed over each other to make Fred. He tried to limp after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each early farther up the beach but between his already injured leg and the knifelike hook continually piercing the peel of the salutary one, it was all he could do to keep from falling over. Using his baton and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to resist the little pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own battle out over the ocean as a gravy holder raced toward the beach. Once of the masses aboard was shooting powerhouse and stripe of flame into the air while the somebody riding with Harry returned the fiery attack. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some wafture in an endeavor to save the boat from reaching the island… but it was realize the person driving cared nothing about the gravy holder, damaging it beyond fix as it was battered by Luna's spells. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain shot through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the Cancer the Crab. Using the walking reefer, he tried to find his counterpoise but his human foot sank into the George Sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his arms to transgress his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his backrest, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his sceptre but to no avail. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much larger and more raging 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 cutis. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always more to study their piazza. terror settled over him as he realized that he was ineffective to get up and the crabs were taking the opportunity to immerse him.

( time out )

Luna gripped the broom tightly, terrified that she was going to come down off as the smallest of visual sensation suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely miss consciousness but detailed enough to save her lifespan. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a human dynamo explode where she'd been only a moment ago.

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

'' I'm amercement ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The boat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to learn that her vision had served not only to discourage her of the fire, but that for some rationality 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 fire at her alone assured Luna that at some point, her lifetime became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to distract them all from the fact that they were approaching the island where Hermione and Fred were clearly having trouble.

decision making to do what she could to save them from once more reaching the beach and carry out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her wand to put forward 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 deter Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her boat. She waved her wand again, strengthening the charm and creating bigger and more brute waves… and then she saw the larger ship on the horizon, quickly heading in their way. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a consequence as she tried to figure out who could be aboard.

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the Saame sentence her suspicion screamed in her point to release. She was LE than a second too recent and the very back of her broom was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plump, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid ground below her, she rolled off the heather only to regain herself surrounded by dozens of crabs. She quickly got to her ft but the creatures didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their advancement with her eyes she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the crabs went about attacking him. Realizing what while had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nothing that was going to call off them off. Ignoring the I that pinched her as she reached down to avail him get up, she saw that one of his peg was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, she got a better cargo hold and together they were able to lift him off the flat coat and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to get his breath as they both used their scepter to keep the crabs at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his center wide with concern. `` Now forget about me and go assistance 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 bruises they hadn't seemed to make any headway against each other… The landscape around them was a different story as shattered and uprooted trees littered the beach. Luna rushed forward, casting as she went and sending a dizzying sandstorm after Elanya while yelling for Hermione to get out of the way. But before her spell could get through it's target, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

Turning, she saw that Sarah had run the speedboat ashore and taken ascendance of Luna's duster before it could harm her Friend. Harry and Jacey grounded as Elise jumped down from the boat to bring together Sarah on the Sand. They all five stared at each early, tensely waiting to see who would do what first. On one side of their group, Hermione and Elanya had resumed their affaire d'honneur as they now each were trying to maintain the other from going to assist their friends… on the former incline, Fred was still stuck fighting with nature while struggling to hold himself from falling over again.

The blaring auditory sensation of a ship's horn shattered the air and Luna nervously looked up to see how the dragon took to it. various loud shrieks erupted from the nest but apparently they had sensed there was no direct menace to them and remained safely where they were. `` It seems our ride out of here has arrived. '' Sarah grinned. `` Who's coming with us ? ``

( breaking )

Harry tried to follow Luna right away as he saw her broom catch firing, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging fire as Jacey tried to retaliate from the binding of the Scots heather. `` They are about to pull ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' Keep our itinerary pass ! '' He instructed, tightening his grip and heading straight for the beach as she ensured Elise wasn't able to hit them. He landed as lightly as he could so that Jacey could get her feet under her before hurrying over to Luna who had been trying to help Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

He tried to retrieve, to figure out what to do next… it was impossible to plan without knowing what everyone was thinking and as he, Luna and Jacey stared down Elise and Sarah, Harry found himself wondering how he'd ever managed before fully awakening that share of himself. A loud motor horn startled him from his thoughts and he looked out over the water system to see a large ship anchored and three rowboats full of mass making their way to the beach. `` It seems our drive has arrived. Who's coming with us ? '' Sarah asked, looking around at them all with a mad grin.

Jacey and Luna looked at each former and then to him, it was top they were as upset as he was that they were ineffective to plan. `` Can we discuss this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all bound to the island by the anti-apparation charms and thought they could ply the solely way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be promptly about making a decision. '' 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 Quaker 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. `` okeh, 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 mouthpiece to protest but he shook his head and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten minutes, then go get Lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you finger better… Just bring them back here to serve. ``

She stared at him for a here and now, clearly unsure that this was the trump program. But it was the only one they had and she must have got realized it. `` Fine, ten transactions and not a second more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her deal and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as C. H. Best you can while I go help out Hermione… as soon as we're capable, apparate to the screeching hovel okeh ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hands together as she prepared to loose more of her power than she'd been able-bodied to in a more populated place.

'' Well ? '' Elise impatiently called from behind them. `` What's it going to be ? semen with us voluntarily or wait until our petty minions row ashore to thrust you to onboard with us against your will ? ``

'' Seeing as how there's still lots 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 paries of attack, sending it to encircle Elise and Sarah. The flames raged, flickering over seven feet high and with more effectiveness than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will postulate her a minute to deal with. '' Jacey grinned.

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

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a warning and turned to see respective with child bowlder flying at him. He ducked to the ground and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly clear that Sarah hadn't been trying to bolt down him as the rock 'n' roll settled and entombed him.

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



bill : more than to come soon !